It is defined as a small tear or crack in the skin on the inside of the anus. What is anal fissure? It occurs during forced defecation due to constipation. Passing hard or large stools can damage the sensitive tissues in the anus area and cause fissure formation. Inflammatory bowel diseases can also lead to its development.
How Does Anal Fissure Form?
They are small tears or cracks in the sensitive skin covering the inner surface of the anus. During defecation, excessive tension occurs in the anus. As a result of this stretching, a tear occurs due to strain. There are several common reasons. The most common cause is constipation and resulting difficulty in defecation. The passage of hard and bulky stool leads to tearing. Long-term constipation reduces blood flow in the anus area. This can cause tissues to lose their elasticity and tear easily. It may also cause diarrhea. Frequent and watery defecation irritates the skin in the anus area. As a result of this irritation, cracks may occur. In chronic diarrhea, repeated irritations cause damage to this area. Trauma is also an important factor causing fissure. Excessive strain on the mother, especially during birth, can lead to tears in the anus area. Passing hard objects through the anus also causes trauma. Enema applications performed with incorrect techniques also increase the risk of fissure. Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases predispose to the formation of fissures. These diseases lead to inflammation of the tissues around the intestines and anus. Inflammation causes tissues to weaken and cracks to form. Prolonged sitting, excess weight and spasms in the anus muscles also increase the risk of fissures. Reduced blood flow can also lead to fissures. It is important to consume fibrous foods and drink plenty of water for healthy bowel movements.
What is Anal Fissure and What are its Symptoms?
An anal fissure is a tear or crack in the inside of the anus. It occurs as a result of forced defecation, constipation or diarrhea. These tears occur when the sensitive tissue around the anus is damaged. It can be seen in all age groups. The most common symptom is sharp and severe pain during or after defecation. This pain sometimes continues for hours. It can negatively affect a person's quality of life. Light red blood may be visible. This bleeding is usually light. However, it may cause concern for some patients. Itching and burning sensations around the anus are also common in people with fissures. Tenderness and swelling may occur in this area. It is also common for the anus muscles to spasm. This may further increase the pain. Patients can sometimes feel a small lump or fold of skin in the anus area. In chronic fissures, symptoms last longer. The longer the healing time, the deeper the tear becomes. In this case, complaints of pain and bleeding may be more severe. Chronic fissures are those that last longer than 6 weeks. If you have any of the symptoms of anal fissure, it is important to consult a specialist. With early diagnosis and treatment, recovery time is accelerated. If left untreated, it negatively affects the quality of life. It can also lead to more complex problems.
What are the Anal Fissure Treatment Methods?
Anal fissures are tears or cracks in the inner surface of the anus. Treatment methods vary depending on the severity of the fissure and how long it has been going on. Acute fissures can usually be healed with simple methods applied at home. Chronic fissures may require further treatment. Among the home treatment methods, the first thing to do is to prevent constipation. Consuming fibrous foods softens the stool, making defecation easier. You should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. This regulates bowel movements. Warm water baths also relax the muscles in the anal area. It also relieves pain. These baths can be done 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes. Over-the-counter pain-relieving creams and anesthetic ointments can be used to reduce pain. Additionally, creams containing nitroglycerin accelerate healing by relaxing the anal muscles. Calcium channel blockers may also be prescribed to reduce muscle spasms. Stool softeners also help heal the fissure by facilitating the passage of stool. More advanced treatment methods may be required for chronic fissures. Botulinum toxin injection is applied to the anal muscles to relieve spasms and provide healing. It is an effective non-surgical treatment. Surgery is performed when other treatments do not work. The most commonly applied method is lateral internal sphincterotomy. In this operation, a part of the anal sphincter muscle is cut. Thus, muscle spasm is reduced. In addition, healing is achieved. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important in treatment. What is anal fissure? In answer to the question, this condition is defined as a tear in the inner part of the anus. If left untreated, fissures can become chronic. It can seriously affect quality of life.