Anal Fissures: Symptoms, Cause, Treatment and Home Remedies

What are Anal Fissure

Anal fissures may be defined as a tear or a cut in the mucus that lines anus or anal canal. Anus, as we know, is the opening of through which waste stool is excreted out of the body. So you can just imagine how painful any cut or tear in anus could be. It also causes spasm in the sphincter that is present at the anal end.

Anal fissure is a common cause of the rectal bleeding condition that equally affects men and women. This condition may also affect older people as well as young and infants. In fact, this condition is more common in infants than in adults. It may be a chronic health issue or may be an acute condition. The most common area of anal fissure is a midline situated posterior to the anal canal.

What are the Symptoms of Anal Fissure

The signs and symptoms of an anal fissure are a very obvious indication that you are suffering from anal fissure. These symptoms are as follows:

1. Severe pain while passing bowel, making it difficult to pass stool.
2. Pain after passing bowels is sustained for a long period of time.
3. Bright red blood in the stool.
4. Itching around the anus.
5. Skin tag or lump near anal fissure.

These symptoms, especially the pain is so severe that it makes the condition of the patient miserable. Thus, an anal fissure is not less than a nightmare.

What are the Causes of Anal Fissures

The most common cause of anal fissures is trauma That may occur while childbirth, enema, insertion of the thermometer, tight feces, and endoscopy. Other causes of an anal fissure include pregnancy, constipation, chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease. Some of the rare causes of an anal fissure are anal cancer, HIV, herpes, tuberculosis, and syphilis.

Who are at the Risk of Developing Anal Fissure

Anal fissure is more common in infants, pregnant women, elderly, constipated individuals, individuals who practice anal intercourse and individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.

What are the Complications of Anal Fissure

Anal fissure may not heal or recur. In some cases, a tear may also extend to the surrounding tissues, making the condition more miserable.

How is an Anal Fissure Diagnosed

Your doctor may perform a digital rectal examination by inserting a gloved finger or with the help of an anoscope. This helps them to inspect the anal canal. Other recommended tests are flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.

What are the Treatment options for Anal Fissure

Anal fissure can be treated by simple changes in the lifestyle and diet. However, in some cases, medication and surgery may be needed.
If the stool is soft it takes a few weeks for the anal fissure to heal. To keep constipation at bay take the following steps:

1. Drink lots of water.

2. Give up your sedentary habits.

3. Eat foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

4. Sit in a tub filled with warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. This will relax the sphincter. This promotes healing.

If your condition is severe you need to consult a doctor. Your doctor may recommend you anesthetic creams and other medications to relax sphincter, reduce pain, promote healing and treat your condition.
If in the case medicines don’t heal your condition, your doctor may also recommend your surgery. The surgery includes the cutting of a potion of the anal sphincter. This reduces pain and spasm.

What are the Home Remedies for Anal Fissure

Below are home remedies of an anal fissure

1. Coconut oil- Coconut oil penetrates deep into the skin and promotes healing.

2. Aloe vera- It is rich in soothing and healing properties. Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the affected area a few times in a day.

3. Olive oil- It is rich in healthy fats and lubricates the anal tract. This makes the stool passage easy.

4. Flax seeds- Flax seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids. It treats constipation by adding bulk to the stool. Take a tablespoon of flax seeds with water. Make sure to drink lots of water entire day after taking it.

5. Apple cider vinegar- Apple cider vinegar contains pectin that improves digestion and treats constipation. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink it daily. You may also add honey to it to make it taste agreeably.