An anal fissure may be discovered if you have pain or bleeding during a bowel movement. About half of all anal fissures are expected to resolve without medical intervention. The other half will persist and special attention will be needed. Dr. Kamrava treats a variety of patients who suffer from anal fissures.
Anyone can have an anal fissure, and they occur in both men and women. They are most common in teens and adults, but rectal bleeding in infants is often a result of anal fissures. Medicine or surgery may be the best anal fissure treatment option if you have a chronic condition that does not heal on its own.
What Are Anal Fissures?
Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus. The tears disrupt the skin of the anus and cause physical symptoms that typically will be noticed during or after a bowel movement. The cardinal sign of an anal fissure is pain that is at its worst during or immediately following a bowel movement. Bloody stool or the presence of blood on bathroom tissue may indicate that an anal tissue has been cut. Some anal fissures bleed without any accompanying pain, so it’s important that you seek professional medical treatment if you notice a tear, even if it’s not painful.
What Causes Anal Fissures?
Trauma or injury to the anal canal may cause an anal fissure. Large stool, dry stool, constipation, or diarrhea may all tear delicate anal tissue. Anal fissures may also occur as a result of other medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer. The insertion of foreign objects into the anus or anal sex can disrupt and tear anal tissue, as well. Specialized anal fissure treatment will be required in certain cases.
Signs and Symptoms
One of the first indications of an anal fissure is a painful bowel movement. The bowel movement will feel atypical, as it may cause or irritate a pre-existing anal fissure. The pain may even last up to several hours after the bowel movement. Bright red blood, itching, raw skin, cracked skin, or skin tags on the anus can indicate the presence of an anal fissure.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A physical exam that includes the inspection of your anus will help diagnose an anal fissure. If the tear is visible, simple methods to aid in the healing of the wound can be prescribed. In cases that are more complex, your doctor may suspect that there is an underlying condition causing the fissures that needs to be addressed and treated.
Anal Fissure Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
If you have an anal fissure, you may not be sure if you should let it heal on its own or if you need to seek treatment from a medical professional. To help you gain more information about anal fissure treatment, here are answers to frequently asked questions about the condition. If you don’t find the answers to your questions, please contact Dr. Kamrava at 424.279.8222.
Q: Will an anal fissure heal without medical treatment?
A: Many anal fissures heal without professional medical treatment, if they are minor. If an anal fissure lasts several weeks, it may transition into a chronic state that will make healing more difficult.
Q: How can I treat an anal fissure at home?
A: To assist the healing process of an anal fissure, you’ll want to make sure your stool is soft. Getting regular exercise, drinking plenty of fluids, eating fiber, and not straining during bowel movements are ways to aid healing. Certain topical creams may be applied, as well.
Q: When should I see a doctor about a fissure?
A: You should see a colorectal surgeon about an anal fissure is you have symptoms that are not healing over time.
Q: What is the best anal fissure treatment?
A: If your anal fissures are chronic, a medical professional must determine their cause. There are non-surgical and surgical methods that treat anal fissures, and the best one will be determined by your doctor.
Q: Is surgery necessary for chronic anal fissures?
A: Surgery depends on the underlying cause of your anal fissures. Non-surgical treatments and lifestyle changes often resolve anal fissures, but some patients with more complex cases may qualify for surgeries that promote proper healing.
Call Today to Schedule an Anal Fissures Consultation With Dr. Kamrava
When you’re ready to learn more about anal fissure treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Kamrava. He’s an expert colorectal surgeon who will prescribe the best solution for your condition to help relieve anal or colon fissures. Call our office today at 424.279.8222.
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