DEFINITION
An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) that lines the anus. An anal fissure may occur when you pass hard or large stools during a bowel movement. Anal fissures typically cause pain and bleeding with bowel movements. You also may experience spasms in the ring of muscle at the end of your anus (anal sphincter).
Anal fissures are very common in young infants but can affect people of any age. An anal fissure usually heals on its own within four to six weeks. If it doesn't, medical treatment or surgery usually can relieve discomfort.
SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of an anal fissure include:
Pain, sometimes severe, during bowel movements
Pain after bowel movements that can last up to several hours
Bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper after a bowel movement
Itching or irritation around the anus
A visible crack in the skin around the anus
A small lump or skin tag on the skin near the anal fissure
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have pain during bowel movements or notice blood on stools or toilet paper after a bowel movement.
CAUSES
Common causes of anal fissure include:
Passing large or hard stools
Constipation and straining during bowel movements
Chronic diarrhea
Inflammation of the anorectal area, caused by Crohn's disease or another inflammatory bowel disease
Childbirth
Less common causes of anal fissures include:
Anal cancer
HIV
Tuberculosis
Syphilis
Herpes
RISK FACTORS
Factors that may increase your risk of developing an anal fissure include:
Infancy. Many infants experience an anal fissure during their first year of life; experts aren't sure why.
Aging. Older adults may develop an anal fissure partly due to slowed circulation, resulting in decreased blood flow to the rectal area.
Constipation. Straining during bowel movements and passing hard stools increase the risk of tearing.
Childbirth. Anal fissures are more common in women after they give birth.
Crohn's disease. This inflammatory bowel disease causes chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, which may make the lining of the anal canal more vulnerable to tearing.
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of anal fissure can include:
Failure to heal. An anal fissure that fails to heal within six weeks is considered chronic and may need further treatment.
Recurrence. Once you've experienced an anal fissure, you are prone to having another one.
A tear that extends to surrounding muscles. An anal fissure may extend into the ring of muscle that holds your anus closed (internal anal sphincter), making it more difficult for your anal fissure to heal. An unhealed fissure can trigger a cycle of discomfort that may require medications or surgery to reduce the pain and to repair or remove the fissure
PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
If you have an anal fissure, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases (gastroenterologist) or a colon and rectal surgeon.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
Write down any symptoms you're experiencing.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
Some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
What is likely causing my symptoms?
Are there any other possible causes for my symptoms?
Do I need any tests?
Is my condition likely temporary (acute) or chronic?
What treatments do you recommend?
Are there any dietary suggestions I should follow?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask:
When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
How severe are your symptoms?
Where do you feel your symptoms the most?
What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
What, if anything, seems to worsen your symptoms?
Do you have any other medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease?
Do you have problems with constipation?
What you can do in the meantime
While you're waiting to see your doctor, take steps to avoid constipation, such as drinking plenty of water, adding fiber to your diet and exercising regularly. Also, avoid straining during bowel movements. The extra pressure may lengthen the fissure or create a new one.
TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor will likely ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam, including inspection of the anal region. Often the tear is visible. Usually this exam is all that's needed to diagnose an anal fissure.
Your doctor will probably refrain from performing a digital rectal exam, which involves inserting a gloved finger into your anal canal, because it is likely to be too painful. If anal fissure is suspected but can't be identified, your doctor may use a short, lighted tube (anoscope) to inspect your anal canal.
The fissure's location offers clues about its cause. A fissure that occurs on the side of the anal opening, rather than the back or front, is more likely to be a sign of another disorder, such as Crohn's disease. If an underlying condition is suspected, your doctor may recommend further testing:
Flexible sigmoidoscopy. A thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera is inserted into the bottom portion of your colon. This test may be done if you're younger than 50 and have no risk factors for intestinal diseases or colon cancer.
Colonoscopy. A flexible tube is inserted into your rectum to inspect the entire colon. This test may be done if you are older than age 50 or have risk factors for colon cancer, signs of other conditions, or other symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea.
TREATMENTS AND DRUGS
Anal fissures often heal within a few weeks if you take steps to keep your stool soft, such as increasing your intake of fiber and fluids. Soaking in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day, especially after bowel movements, can help relax the sphincter and promote healing.
If your symptoms persist, you'll likely need further treatment.
Nonsurgical treatments
Your doctor may recommend:
Externally applied nitrogylcerin, to help increase blood flow to the fissure and promote healing, and to help relax the anal sphincter. Nitroglycerin is generally considered the medical treatment of choice when other conservative measures fail. Side effects may include headache.
Steroid creams, to help relieve discomfort.
Botulin toxin type A (Botox) injection, to paralyze the anal sphincter muscle and relax spasms.
Blood pressure medications, which can help relax the anal sphincter. These medications may be taken by mouth or applied externally and may be used when nitroglycerin in not effective or causes significant side effects.
Surgery
If you have a chronic anal fissure that is resistant to other treatments, or if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery usually involves cutting a small portion of the anal sphincter muscle to reduce spasm and pain and promote healing. Surgery has a small risk of causing incontinence.
LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES
You may be able to prevent an anal fissure by taking measures to prevent constipation. Eat high-fiber foods, drink fluids and exercise regularly to keep from having to strain during bowel movements.
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