Understanding Anal Fissure: From Causes to Treatment

Anal fissure is a painful condition that can be faced by both men and women. Often because of hard stools or constipation, a small linear cut or tear develops on the anal lining. This cut causes a lot of pain, discomfort, burning sensations, and small amounts of bright red coloured blood during bowel movements. It's a common myth that anal fissures can only be treated with surgical methods; the truth is that medications can also help in healing recent fissures.

Nitroglycerin ointments, topical lidocaine, and fibre supplements are some common types of medications used for managing issues related to an anal fissure.

In this blog, we will cover everything related to anal fissures that you should know, from their causes to treatment and the need for medication. Along with this, we will also try to answer the most common questions that people have related to this condition.

What is Meant by Anal Fissure?

An anal fissure is a tear or cut in the thin lining of the anus, the opening from which stool leaves the body. It can be painful and irritating, especially during and after bowel movements.

Types of Anal Fissure

Anal fissures are usually classified into two separate types according to how old they have been.

• Acute anal fissure: A recent tear that normally heals within 6 weeks through home remedies or medications.
• Chronic anal fissure: A tear persisting more than 6 to 8 weeks and often having a skin tag, thick edges, or visible muscle fibres.

Common Symptoms of Anal Fissure

People who are suffering from anal fissure often start to experience symptoms that range from mild discomfort to significant pain while pooping. Common signs include:

• Sharp pain during bowel movements that sometimes stays for several hours.
• Bright red blood on toilet paper or on the stool.
• Burning or itching around the anus.
• A visible tear at the anal opening.
• Anal muscle tightness or spasm.

What Causes Anal Fissure?

Anal fissure, or a tear in the anal lining, is caused when the skin gets stretched or injured. It can happen for different reasons, for example –

• Constipation or hard stools
• Putting too much pressure to pass stool
• Frequent diarrhoea or loose motion
• Childbirth
• Medical conditions like Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Types of Treatment for Anal Fissure

Anal fissure can be treated by many different methods depending on how long it has been present, the symptom severity, and whether it can be treated with basic care.

Some common methods of anal fissure treatment are briefly mentioned in the table below:

Common Medicines Used for Anal Fissure Treatment

A doctor can give you some medications to relieve discomforting pain and other symptoms which are not solved with natural remedies or changes in diet. 

These medicines are available in a variety of forms, like tablets, ointments, or liquids and must be used exactly as the doctor instructs.

Best Zeelab Pharmacy Products Helpful for Anal Fissure

To manage the discomfort caused by anal fissures, you need medicinal products or tablets that reduce pain or prevent constipation.

At Zeelab Pharmacy, you can find such medications at an affordable price.

Lactolix Solution

Lactolix Solution 200ml

Lactolix Solution is an oral laxative containing lactulose that draws water into the poop, softening stools and supporting easier bowel movements.

• Composition: Lactulose (10 gm).
• Benefits: Helps relieve constipation and strain during bowel movements.

Parazex 500 Tablet

Parazex 500 Tablet

Parazex 500 is an oral pain-relief medicine containing paracetamol, which acts on pain-related pathways in the body to reduce discomfort.

• Composition: Paracetamol (500 mg).
• Benefits: Helps relieve mild to moderate pain related to anal fissures.

Piles Dafa Cream

Piles Dafa Cream

Piles Dafa Cream is a topical cream containing anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor, and local anaesthetic ingredients for managing pile- and fissure-related symptoms and anal discomfort.

• Composition: Beclomethasone Dipropionate (0.025% w/w) + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride (0.10% w/w) + Lignocaine Hydrochloride (2.5% w/w) + Chlorocresol (0.1% w/w)
• Benefits: Helps relieve anal pain, itching, swelling, and irritation.

Self-Care Tips for Anal Fissure

Apart from surgical and non-surgical treatment of anal fissures, some lifestyle and dietary changes are equally helpful for their treatment.

If you or someone you know has an anal fissure, let them know about the following self-care tips for anal fissure management.

• Eat a lot of fibrous foods like oats, whole-wheat chapati, dal, beans, and more.
• Ensure you drink lots of water; this can help to soften stool.
• Comfortably sit in warm and clear water for a minimum of 10 minutes after pooping; this method is called a "Sitz bath".
• Avoid sitting for too long or excessive pushing in the toilet.
• Do not delay the urge to defecate, as this can harden the poo.
• Stay physically active through daily walks.

Signs of Immediate Medical Attention

If you have or suspect an anal fissure, it is important to pay attention to the complications you experience. Some serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:

• Bleeding that does not stop or is too much, making you feel like you are fainting or weak.
• Change in usual stool colour, such as black or red.
• Significant changes in bowel habits.
• Extreme rectal pain with fever or chills.
• Presence of abnormal discharge or pus.
• No improvement in symptoms even after self-care.

Conclusion

A tear or cut in such a sensitive part is surely too uncomfortable, but a lot of these fissures can heal with the right care tips and medications. 

It can be managed through an appropriate diet, good hydration, prescribed topical ointments, and pain-reducing tablets. Doctors go for surgical treatments like fissurectomy or lateral internal sphincterotomy, etc., when fissures do not heal even after 6 to 8 weeks of medical treatment. 

In case you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, frequent recurrence or other extreme symptoms, immediately consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.