Anal Fissure- Everything you need to know!
A small, oval-shaped tear in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) that lines the opening of the anus is referred to as an anal fissure. Extreme pain and bleeding with bowel movements are common symptoms of this disorder. Spasms in the ring of muscle at the end of the anus are also likely (anal sphincter). Despite the fact that this bowel disorder can affect people of any age, it is more common in children. Anal fissures typically get cured with easy self-treatment approaches such as increasing fiber and fluid intake. In more serious cases, people may require medication or, on rare occasions, surgery. A surgeon specializing in Fistula & Piles Treatment in Satara, who treat this disorder, answers about anal fissure-
What are the causes of anal fissure?
Trauma to the anus’s inner lining is the most common cause of fissures. This disorder is usually caused by a hard, dry bowel movement. Constipation or diarrhea on a regular basis may tear the skin around the anus. Straining during bowel movements/childbirth, decreased blood flow to the anorectal region, excessively tight or spastic anal sphincter muscles, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are all common causes of this disorder.
What are the various anal fissure types?
According to Dr. Pramod Rajbhoi, Acute or chronic anal fissures may occur. Acute (recently developed) fissures can resemble a simple tear in the anus. Chronic fissures, on the other hand, can be followed by swelling and scar tissue and may last for up to 8 weeks. Chronic fissures are more difficult to treat, and they can have an external lump (called a sentinel pile or skin tag) as well as extra tissue just inside the anal canal (called a hypertrophied papilla).
Where are these fissures commonly located?
Fissures usually occur in the posterior (back) midline of the anus (approximately 85-90%) and the anterior (front) midline of the anus (approximately 10-15%). However, a small percentage of patients can have fissures in both the front and back. Fissures that are located elsewhere (to the side) may increase the risk of complications from other diseases, necessitating a thorough examination.
What are the signs and symptoms of an anal fissure?
Anal fissure signs include discomfort and bleeding during bowel movements. During and particularly after a bowel movement, patients can feel intense pain that may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Bright red blood in the stool or toilet paper (after a bowel movement), a clear crack in the skin around the anus, and a small lump or skin tag on the skin around the anal fissure are all associated signs.