An anal fissure is not as bad as the name suggests. It is a superficial lesion of the skin, located at the base of the rectum, at the level of the sphincter. After hemorrhoids, it is the most frequent pathology in the anus and which can affect the whole population. Its inconvenient location makes this “wound” painful and difficult to heal.
What can be the causes of anal fissure?
The number one cause of an anal fissure is the constipation. This is because hard and bulky stools can cause small tears, but this is also the case during diarrhea brutal, during a gastroenteritis for example. Some inflammatory bowel disease and sexual practices can also promote its onset.
What are the symptoms of anal fissure?
Anal fissure is easily recognized by the sharp pain it causes when having a bowel movement, as well as slight bleeding. A burning sensation usually persists for several minutes afterwards. It can also be accompanied by itching and muscle spasms in the sphincter. Fear of pain can also lead to “reflex” constipation, which will however make the anal fissure worse.
How to treat anal fissure?
In the vast majority of cases, the lesion resolves on its own. Constipation is best treated and avoided by eating fibers(whole grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables), drink plenty of water and if necessary take a laxative “ soft “to soften the stool. Do not hold back or force yourself, this will only make the” crack “worse. To promote healing, your doctor may prescribe suitable creams or suppositories.
However, if the pain persists after several weeks and the anal fissure becomes chronic, further treatment – glyceryl trinitrate ointment – will allow the anal sphincter to relax to speed healing, in which case the doctor should consider surgery. The operation involves making an incision (sphincterotomy) to relax the muscles of the anus or removing the wound area (fissurectomy).
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