What is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a
condition, wherein a small tear occurs in the thin mucosal lining of the anus.
It is a common condition amongst infants, but can strike individuals at any
age.
What causes an anal fissure?
The various causative
factors for anal fissure include the following:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Passing hard stools or large stools
- Constipation
- Childbirth
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease
- Inserting foreign particles in the anal region
- Indulging in anal sex
- Poor or decreased blood flow to the anal region
Various other conditions can
also predispose an individual to develop an anal fissure. These include HIV,
anal cancer, herpes, syphilis and tuberculosis.
How does anal fissure spread?
Anal fissure is not a
contagious disease and does not spread from one person to another.
What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?
An individual with an anal
fissure, experiences the following signs and symptoms:
- Experiencing pain, during and after passing stool
- Burning and itching sensation in the affected area
- Blood in stool and tissue paper after wiping the anal area
- Development of small lump in the area near the anal fissure
Mild cases of anal fissures
often heal by themselves within 6 weeks without much intervention. Taking a
diet rich in fiber and sitz bath for 15 – 20 minutes after bowel movements can
promote healing.
In situations, when the
above mentioned regime does not work, then other treatment methods may become
necessary. These include:
- Application of nitroglycerin to the area of anal fissure, promotes blood flow to the affected area.
- Application of steroid ointments to decrease the discomfort.
- Botox injection to relax the spasms by paralyzing the sphincter muscles.
- Blood pressure medications are also recommended to relax the sphincter muscles. These medications are either taken orally or can also be applied externally.
- Surgery is often the last resort and considered only when all other methods does not bring about any positive effect. The procedure involves surgical removal of a small part of the anal sphincter muscle.
How can anal fissure be prevented?
It is always not possible to
prevent anal fissure. However, adopting certain dietary changes can help in
preventing its occurrence. Taking a high fiber diet and drinking more fluids
can go a long way in preventing the development of anal fissure.
Diet and lifestyle changes in anal fissure?
Making necessary changes in
the lifestyle pattern, and dietary changes can help in the effective management
of anal fissure. Individuals with anal fissure are advised to do the following:
- Drink more fluids
- Taking a diet rich in fiber
- Exercising regularly in order to get proper bowel movements each day
- Avoid straining during bowel movements as it can cause a new tear in the anal region
What is Ayurvedic treatment of anal fissure?
Ayurvedic treatment of anal
fissure includes application of the Ayurvedic oils and other methods such as
medicated sitz baths. Medications are also given for treating constipation and
sometimes Ganeshkriya is also used for treating anal fissures. In chronic
conditions, kshara – sutra ligation is considered to treat anal fissure.
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