What is an Anal Fissure?
An anal fissure is a small cut or tear in the lining of the anus and usually develops due to strain when passing large or hard stools. The crack in the skin causes severe pain and bleeding during and after bowel movements. At times, the fissure can be deep enough to expose the muscle tissue underneath. It is a common condition and can be acute or chronic.
Acute or short-term cases usually heal within a few days, while chronic fissures that do not heal within several weeks is considered chronic and usually need medical treatment. Sometimes, an anal fissure may extend into the anal sphincter, the ring of muscle holding the anus closed. If this happens, it may be more difficult for your anal fissure to close.
What are the symptoms of an Anal Fissure?
- Bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper after a bowel movement
- Burning or itching in the anal area
- Pain after bowel movements
- Small lump or skin tag on the skin near the anal fissure
- Visible tear in the skin around the anus
What are some causes of Anal Fissure?
Some common causes of Anal Fissures include:
- Constipation or straining bowel movement
- Childbirth
- Prolonged diarrhoea
- Passing large or hard stools
Certain conditions could also result in anal fissures, such as:
- Anal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's Disease
- HIV
- Syphillis
What are the risk factors of Anal Fissure?
Some of the factors that may increase your risks of developing Anal Fissures include:
- Age: Anal Fissures are more common among young infants and middle-aged adults but it still can occur in people of any age.
- Childbirth: Anal Fissures are more common in women after they give birth
- Constipation: Straining your bowels or passing hard stools may increase your risk of developing anal fissures
- Crohn's Disease: Crohn's Disease causes your intestinal tract to be inflammed. This may cause the lining of your anal canal to be more prone to tearing.
How is an Anal Fissure diagnosed?
Anoscopy Test
An anoscopy test is done to identify abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract, rectum and anus.
