Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus caused by straining during bowel movements. They can be treated at home with warm water soaks, fiber, and stool softeners. Medical attention may be necessary if symptoms persist or worsen. A balanced diet rich in fiber can help prevent fissures.
A fissure in the anus or anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, caused by the membranes of the anus straining more than they can comfortably stretch. This condition is extremely common, and there are a number of treatment options available for patients who develop it. In most cases, home treatment is enough to resolve the problem. In patients who develop chronic fissures, it may be necessary to take certain medications to promote faster healing.
When a fissure develops in the anus, the patient usually feels painful defecation, sometimes with a strong stinging sensation. Blood or clear fluid may appear and stain the toilet paper, and some patients find their rectums become extremely itchy. In some cases, a hemorrhoid develops along with the fissure in the anus, and the patient may experience additional discomfort and swelling around the anus.
It is usually recommended to soak the area in warm water, using a tool such as a sitz bath, to soothe the anus and help the patient feel more comfortable. Some patients add salts or other preparations to the water. Additionally, adding fiber to the diet and taking stool softeners will make defecation more comfortable and give the anus a chance to heal by reducing the stress on tissue when people use the toilet. These treatments are often enough to fix the fissure-in-anus at home within three to five days.
If painful defecation persists or patients begin to notice new symptoms, they should seek medical attention. A general practitioner can often manage care, starting with a patient interview and exam. Your doctor may recommend continuing conservative treatment and giving it a few more days, or consider adding more aggressive treatment options, including medications. In cases where a fissure in the anus becomes inflamed or infected, it can lead to an abscess and this may require surgery to drain and clean the abscess.
People can reduce their risks of developing this condition by eating a balanced diet rich in fiber to regulate bowel movements and keep the intestinal tract healthy. If a patient develops constipation or has difficulty defecating, making dietary changes or seeing a doctor to discuss the use of stool softeners and other treatments may be a good idea. In addition to preventing anal fissures, such measures will also be beneficial for gastrointestinal health. Even with these measures, it is still possible to develop a fissure in the anus, but the tear will usually be very mild and highly responsive to treatment.
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