Understanding Anal Fissures: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Anal fissures are small tears or cracks in the lining of the anus, which can cause pain, bleeding, and discomfort during bowel movements. They are a common condition and can affect people of all ages. Here is a breakdown of the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of anal fissures:

Causes:

Passing Hard Stools: The most common cause of anal fissures is the passage of hard, dry stools during bowel movements. This can occur due to constipation or excessive straining during bowel movements.

Diarrhea: On the flip side, chronic diarrhea Fissures Treatment can also lead to anal fissures because it can irritate and damage the delicate lining of the anus.

Anal Trauma: Any injury or trauma to the anal area, such as from anal sex or the insertion of foreign objects, can cause fissures.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of developing anal fissures.

Childbirth: In some cases, women can develop anal fissures during childbirth due to the stretching and tearing of the anal tissues.

Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of anal fissures include:

Pain during Bowel Movements: Anal fissures surgery treatment Sharp, stabbing pain during and after bowel movements is a hallmark symptom of anal fissures.

Bleeding: Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement.

Itching and Discomfort: Itchiness or general discomfort around the anus.

Spasms: Some people may experience anal muscle spasms (proctalgia) that can be quite painful.

Diagnosis:

If you suspect you have an anal fissure, it's important to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis. Here's how it's typically done:

Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will often start with a physical examination of the anus and rectal area. They may use a gloved finger to assess the area and check for any abnormalities.

Anoscopy: Anoscopy is a procedure where a small, lighted tube called an anoscope is inserted into the anus to get a closer look at the fissure and the surrounding tissues.

Rectal Exam: In some cases, a digital rectal Fissures Treatment in Bangalore exam may be performed to check for other underlying conditions, such as hemorrhoids or tumors.

Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy: If there is a suspicion of underlying digestive disorders, such as IBD, a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may be recommended to evaluate the entire colon and rectum.

Treatment:

Treatment for anal fissures typically involves addressing the underlying cause and promoting healing of the fissure. Common treatment options include: