Medically reviewed by Dr Godmi Tresa
There are a couple of health conditions related to the anal canal. It is common for everyone to hesitate to talk about it, even to the doctor, until severe pain occurs. One of such painful conditions is Anal Fissures.
Anal fissure, also called fissure-in-ano, medically refers to the condition when there are fissures in your anal canal.
Let us answer a few questions you would have in your mind if you are doubtful that you are having anal fissures or some other condition.
An anal fissure is a tear near or inside your anal canal. If we go into a textbook definition of fissure-in-ano, it is a longitudinal ulcer or tear, starting from the dentate line to the anal verge. The dentate line is an imaginary line around 2 cm above the anal threshold.
An anal fissure is like those small cracks on your lips if you are dehydrated.
Anal fissures have different causes, and according to these causes, they are ;
TYPES | CAUSES |
---|---|
Anterior anal fissure
| Pregnancy and delivery Anal intercourse Constipation |
Posterior anal fissure | Chronic constipation and diarrhoea |
Lateral anal fissure | Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis (Irritable bowel Disease), Tuberculosis, Syphilis, Leukaemia, HIV |
Know that 90% of anal fissure cases occur in the posterior midline at 6 O'clock position.
If you have ever gone through the pain a fissure-in-ano causes, you would know how painful and difficult defecation is.
Common symptoms of fissure-in-ano are as follows:
When your doctor examines your anal canal, he will see a crack on the anal canal or a small skin tag hanging.
Medical experts diagnose anal fissures solely by examining your anal region.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you have to get personally examined by an expert to come to a final diagnosis.
Medical experts also use advanced investigation techniques in chronic and severe fissure-in-ano diagnosis.
These are as follows:
A tubular device is inserted into your anal canal so your doctor can see the inside of your anal canal and rectum. If your anal fissure is very painful, experts try to avoid anoscopy.
A tube passed into the part of your sigmoid colon (part of your intestine) helps visualise the internal part. Sigmoidoscopy ensures no other symptoms are associated with your anal fissures.
To visualise the entire of your anal canal and colons (the intestines). A colonoscopy helps ensure that your anal fissure is not associated with conditions like ulcerative colitis ( ulcers in the colon), Tuberculosis, and Crohn's disease.
During diagnosis, experts do advanced examinations or investigations for anal fissures to understand that your anal fissures have no association with any other systemic conditions.
Anal fissures heal according to the severity and duration. The longer the cracks are present, the longer they take to heal.
Acute anal fissures are present with a tiny cut near the anal verge. It will be present with acute bleeding and severe pain. These fissures heal by themselves when you control constipation with a proper diet.
Chronic fissure-in-ano takes time to heal as the ulcer or cut formed on the anal mucosa is usually profound. The margins of this cut feel hard and fibrosed with whitish borders. There will be a skin tag hanging at the base of this fissure.
These fissures take longer to heal with proper tests and lifestyle management.
Some anal fissures even need surgical management to heal.
The first and foremost treatment option for anal fissure is Lifestyle management.
Home remedies for anal fissures are:
These are just a few home remedies. Consult Nirva Health experts to know more according to your body's needs.
Anal fissures, even if a mild condition, tends to get complicated in many ways. Please consult your healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis.
Some of the red flags you should be aware of are-
90% of anal fissure cases occur from chronic constipation. Some are from uncontrolled diarrhoea. Thus, managing your gut health is the best preventive technique for anal fissures.
Find what led to your anal fissure from your doctor, then use the preventive tips.
Some general preventive tips are:
No. Surgery is not necessary for all anal fissures.
Anal fissures are well controlled with the help of lifestyle modification and diets.
When these methods do not work, experts suggest surgical procedures.
The anal canal is a very delicate region of your body. But, the best thing is it has such a profuse blood supply that minor injuries and infections heal well. So, the mild pain you face whenever your bowel is constipated vanishes soon.
However, knowing when to get expert advice for your condition is essential.
Dr. Bhavya
She offers a holistic approach to healing that focuses on the interplay between the body, mind, and spirit. Her expertise in these areas allows her to provide comprehensive care for various conditions, from musculoskeletal disorders to stress-related illnesses. She is dedicated to empowering women to take control of their health and well-being. Her proactive approach to healthcare emphasises the importance of preventive measures and natural remedies.
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