If there is any split or cutting in the area of anus, it is known as anal fissure. It is the opening or tearing in the mucous lining of the anus causing infection. Very often, infants of less than one year have anal fissure and it would subside as the child grows. Fissures rarely occur on school going children and adults. However in some adults, fissures or opening is caused due to constipation or passing of hard stool. A small crack or opening in the anus which stretches the anal area is the main symptom of anal fissure. It may cause moderate to intense pain while bowel movements. There may be discharge of blood along with stool.
As such anal fissures do not require any treatment and following hygiene habits will prevent you from fissure and pain. Make sure to cleanse the area gently and do not rub the surface with your hands. Apply muscle relaxants like petroleum jelly on the affected area. Eat more fibrous food and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. Certain stool softeners are available in the market to ease the passage of bowel movements. Only in severe cases, surgery is done for relaxing the anal muscle. Some people take Botox injection for relaxing the muscles in the anus. Follow clean habits and change diapers quickly to keep the anus dry and clean on infants.
What Are Anal Fissures ?
Anus, also known as rectum is that part of the body through which feces (stool) are expelled out. Fecal particles along with water gets collected in the large intestine and when it becomes full, urinary bladder ejects urine and the anus sends out feces. Sometimes when the stool becomes very hard and is not able to come out normally it tears the inner lining of the rectum which is known as anal fissure. Fissure is actually a tear or multiple tears in the region of anus when solid stools are pushed out. People who have constipation are likely to develop anal fissure.
Anal fissure can cause considerable pain while passing bowels. Sometimes it can also bloody discharge in the feces. Very often mild anal fissures heal on their own without any treatment. However for people with chronic constipation anal fissures is also long-term, requiring medical treatment. Anal fissures can occur at any age and it can affect even healthy people also.
What Are Piles (Hemorrhoids)?
- A hemorrhoid is not the same as anal fissure, but is often confused. In the anal fissure, the skin around the rectum gets tear affecting the soft mucus lining of the rectum.
- But a hemorrhoid can develop due to swelling of vein in the lower rectal area.
- Both of these can cause similar symptoms like burning pain in the rectum while passing stool and blood discharge in the feces. Both of these problems can be managed with home remedies.
Causes Of Anal Fissure :
- Any injury or trauma occurring in the anal canal can lead to anal fissure. Some people are in the habit of passing large (hard) stool which can cause tear in the lining of anal region.
- People who suffer from long-term constipation would exert constant pressure while passing stool. This can cause considerable damage to the soft lining of the rectum causing anal fissure.
- Individuals getting diarrhea infection often can get anal fissure. Frequent visits to the toilet can damage the cells of the anus causing anal fissure.
- Women after childbirth are more likely to develop anal fissure. This is because during pregnancy, uterus would expand significantly to accommodate the growing fetus which would exert pressure in the pelvic region. This can cause anal fissure in many cases.
- Similarly people who are overweight or obese are likely to develop anal fissure.
- Extra tension developing in the sphincter muscle of the anus can lead to anal fissure. Normally the outer sphincter functions in your control whereas inner sphincter muscle is involuntary. Continuous pressure in this area can cause spasm which can restrict the blood flow to the anus which gradually becomes an anal fissure.
Anal Fissure Symptoms :
You may feel the burning pain while passing stools. There would be sharp intense pain suddenly during bowel movements. When the hardened stool passes through the tear the sharp edges of the stool would cause more intense pain. For some people anal fissure can cause bleeding occasionally. Bright red streaks of blood can be seen on the toilet paper. This type of cases can take more time for healing. Infants can also develop anal fissure shortly after birth but this would settle down in few months. Never wipe hardly after the baby passes stool. You can use little water for cleaning and gently pat it dry.