Anal Fissures
Anal Fissures – Complete Overview
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) that lines the anus. It usually occurs due to passing hard stools, constipation, or straining during bowel movements.
Anal fissures can cause severe pain, bleeding, burning, and discomfort during and after passing stools.
With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, most fissures heal naturally. Severe or chronic fissures may require medical procedures.
Symptoms of Anal Fissures
Common symptoms of anal fissures include:
- Sharp pain during or after passing stool
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or stool
- Burning or itching around the anus
- Visible tear or crack near anus
- Spasms in anal muscles
- Difficulty sitting comfortably
Causes of Anal Fissures
Major causes include:
- Chronic constipation
- Passing hard or dry stools
- Diarrhea for long periods
- Straining during bowel movements
- Childbirth-related injury
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Anal infections or trauma
- Low water and fiber intake
Treatment Options for Anal Fissures
Treatment aims to reduce pain, relax anal muscles, soften stools, and promote healing.
Lifestyle & Home Remedies
- Increase fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
- Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily
- Warm water sitz baths for 10–15 minutes
- Avoid straining during bowel movements
- Use stool softeners if required
- Maintain proper hygiene
Medications
- Nitroglycerin ointment: Helps relax anal muscles
- Calcium channel blockers: Reduce pain & improve blood flow
- Topical anesthetic creams: Provide pain relief
- Stool softeners: Prevent constipation
Medical & Surgical Treatments
- Botox Injection: Temporarily relaxes anal muscles
- Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS): A surgical option for chronic fissures
- Anal dilation: In selected cases
If you experience persistent bleeding, severe pain, or recurrent fissures, medical consultation is strongly recommended.
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