Anal Fissures Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Anal Fissures is a medical term that describes a tear in the lining of the anus. This condition is not a dangerous disease, but it can cause discomfort. If not handled properly, it can cause complications in the form of Anal Fissures which need to be treated surgically.
Based on the time, Anal Fissures are divided into two, namely acute and chronic Anal Fissures. An Anal Fissures is called acute if it occurs in less than 8 weeks. Meanwhile, in chronic anal fissures, the fissures have been formed for more than 8–12 weeks. In chronic conditions, scar tissue has formed in the anal area, so the treatment takes longer.
Symptom
Symptoms of anal fissures are a pain in the anal area and generally accompanied by bleeding when defecating. Pain is felt especially when defecating, and a few minutes to several hours afterward. Outside of this time, generally pain in the anal area is not felt at all.
The most obvious symptom of anal fissures is that the patient will feel pain when defecating, which is usually so intense that it can make the sufferer feel afraid to have another bowel movement because they are worried about the pain attack.
Reason
In anal fissures, there is a wound on the inner lining of the anus. The most common cause of anal fissures is large, hard stools that come out through the anus. A stool like this causes the anus to stretch excessively so that the lining inside is torn. However, diarrhea can also be a cause of anal fissures.
Other medical conditions that can cause anal fissures are:
1. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, namely inflammation of the digestive tract, especially in the small intestine, large intestine, and rectum (the tube that connects the large intestine to the anus) caused by immunological disorders
2. Tuberculosis infection in the gastrointestinal tract
3. Leukemia (cancer of white blood cells)
4. anal cancer
5. Syphilis that occurs in the anal area
Diagnosis
To confirm the diagnosis of anal fissures, the doctor will conduct an interview and physical examination, especially in the anal area. Usually, no further tests such as blood tests or endoscopy are needed to confirm the presence of anal fissures.
Because the symptoms are similar to hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids), doctors generally have to examine the anal area carefully to avoid a misdiagnosis. The thing that distinguishes anal fissures is the presence of tears in the anal area. While on hemorrhoids, there are lumps outside the anal canal or on the inside.
Treatment
Treatment of anal fissures usually aims to soften the stool. Soft stools will help the lining of the anus to heal by itself in a short time.
For the treatment of anal fissures by softening the stool, the doctor will suggest the following:
1. Consume adequate amounts of fiber (at least 25–35 grams of fiber per day)
2. Consume lots of water 1.5-2 liters per day
3. Use stool softeners according to a doctor’s prescription
Apart from that, sometimes the doctor will also give anal fissures medicine, which is an anesthetic that contains lidocaine to reduce pain. This medicine is rubbed around the anus. Not only that, soaking in warm water for 10-20 minutes several times a day can also help relax the anal muscles so that pain decreases and helps speed healing.
Doctors can also prescribe anal fissures with topical medications that contain nitroglycerin. This anal fissures drug will help relax the anal muscles and increase blood flow to the anal area that is torn, thus helping the anal fissures heal. Nitroglycerin is usually given especially for cases of chronic anal fissures.
Surgery for anal fissures is generally only performed for cases of chronic anal fissures that do not improve with the treatment that has been done.
Prevention
To prevent anal fissures, a healthy lifestyle such as being active, consuming enough water and fiber every day is necessary.