Anal fissures, also known as anal fissures, are small tears in the skin or mucosa around the anus. This condition usually causes severe pain and bleeding. Anal fissures can be acute or chronic. Acute fissures are short-term and heal within a few weeks, while chronic fissures are wounds that last for three months or longer and usually require treatment.
Anal Fissure Symptoms
Pain: Severe pain, especially during and after defecation.
Bleeding: Bright red blood in the stool.
Itching: Itching or discomfort around the anus.
Spasm: Spasms in the muscles in the anal area.
Causes of Anal Fissures
Constipation and Hard Stools: Trauma caused by the passage of hard stools through the anus.
Diarrhea: Continuous defecation can irritate the anal area.
Birth: Pressure during vaginal delivery.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease.
Treatment Methods
1. Conservative Treatment
Diet Changes: A fiber-rich diet can help prevent constipation.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water softens stools.
Sitz Baths: Warm-water sick baths can help relax the muscles in the anal area and reduce pain.
Laxatives: Can be used to prevent constipation.
2. Drug Treatment
Local Anesthetic Creams: Used to relieve pain.
Nitroglycerin Ointments: Increase blood flow by relaxing the anal sphincter muscles and speed up healing.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Reduce muscle spasms and relieve pain.
Botox Injections: Relaxes the muscles and helps the fissure heal.
3. Surgical Treatment
Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS): This is the most common surgical treatment method. In this procedure, a small section of the anal sphincter muscle is cut to relax the muscle and allow healing.
Anal Dilation: It is the process of widening the anus and is used to reduce muscle spasms, but it is less preferred today.
Prevention Methods
Regular and Balanced Nutrition: Consuming foods rich in fiber.
Drinking Plenty of Water: Keeps stools soft.
Regular Exercise: Regulates bowel movements.
Toilet Habits: Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods of time and not straining during defecation.
Anal fissure treatment varies depending on the severity of the individual’s symptoms and whether the fissure is chronic. While conservative and drug treatments are usually sufficient in the early stages, surgical intervention may be required in chronic cases. In any case, it is important to consult a health professional to determine the best treatment method.
