Anal Fissure: Causes, Symptoms And Home Remedies
By Dr. Shiv Kishor +2 more
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By Dr. Shiv Kishor +2 more
An anal fissure occurs when there is a cut, scratch or tear in the thin lining of the anus region. A deep tear may even extend up to the muscle around the anus called the anal sphincter. These tears are common, often associated with pain, bleeding and a sharp burning sensation, often confused with the symptoms of haemorrhoids. These tears or cuts cause muscle spasms, which can further pull apart the edges of the anal fissure, causing pain and slowing down the healing process altogether. Frequent hard bowel movements can also keep the fissures from getting better.
An anal fissure is at its acute stage if you have recently had it or it has happened for less than 6 weeks. If you have been suffering from anal fissures for more than 6 weeks or it has been reappearing, then it is chronic. Men, women and even babies can have anal fissures, however, adults between 20 and 40 are most likely to get them. People can always be at risk of getting anal fissures, although the risk goes down with age. People with symptoms of anal fissures must first get it diagnosed by a medical practitioner before going for any remedies.
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Any kind of trauma, abrasion and tear in the anus and anal canal may cause anal fissures. This injury can be caused for the following reasons:
Causes other than trauma can be:
Anal fissures aren’t usually serious and should gradually heal within 2-3 weeks. If they persist or recur very frequently and are associated with scarring and severe pain, a person should consider getting them physically examined by a physician.
Dr Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Based on the causes, anal fissures can be classified into types. In acute cases, an anal fissure condition may effectively improve within 6 to 8 weeks of medical therapy. Studies have found that for chronic or non-healing fissures lasting more than 10 weeks, surgery is much more effective than any other treatment option.
Fissures are painful and cause discomfort when you are sitting or even standing. Fortunately, there are symptoms and signs that you can watch out for to get diagnosed sooner:
Your doctor may suggest some simple diet and lifestyle changes and other remedies along with the required treatment to deal with the pain and discomfort due to fissures. Here are some other home remedies that you can easily find at home to comfort yourself if you are suffering from anal fissures:
Papayas are imbued with enzymes that may help improve digestion. Studies have shown that Caracol, a supplement made with papaya extracts, has effectively lowered the chances of constipation and bloating among people with gastrointestinal dysfunction and digestive disorders. Papayas are extremely hydrating, as they comprise 85% water. Getting enough water in the body’s system can lower the chances of dry stools, often associated with dehydration.
Lemons are loaded with vitamin C. The juice from 1 medium-sized lemon has 21% of the Daily Value of vitamin C required by an adult. Vitamin C plays an essential role in working as an antioxidant. As vitamin C is water-soluble, it is not stored in the body. Hence, vitamin C can aid in smooth bowel movements. It is not recommended to take large doses of vitamin C, but according to research, a daily constant dose of vitamin C may be effective in passing the bowel smoothly.
Turmeric has ñ medicinal properties that have been recognised for centuries, due to the presence of an active ingredient called curcumin in it. Turmeric is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric may aid in soothing the pain and provide relief in the target area. However, more research is being done on the use of topical turmeric treatments for anal fissures.
Oatmeal is loaded with soluble fibre, which helps your stools retain water. This may effectively target dry stools, a common cause of fissures. Ultimately, eating more oatmeal and other food items that have soluble fibre keeps stools soft, making them easier to pass.
Bananas are a great source of fibre, which may help relieve constipation. A study found that 77% of people with constipation experienced increased stool frequency and softer stool consistency after increasing their fibre intake. Since bananas are loaded with fibre, consuming them will help in passing softer stools.
Ghee has traditionally been used in Indian households for centuries. Ghee contains butyrate acid, a type of fatty acid that may effectively promote digestion and it is used in moderation to lower the chances of gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome. Reports also support the use of ghee as a natural laxative. Ayurvedic health practitioners recommend taking 1 teaspoon of ghee in milk or water to promote smooth bowel movements.
The patients suffering from anal fissure are suggested to intake more fluids by drinking a lot of water and consuming a fibre-rich diet for easy passage of stool. Avoiding junk food, food with zero fibre content or no water content should be avoided when the patient is experiencing symptoms of anal fissures.
A warm sitz bath may relieve you from pain and discomfort due to anal fissures. The simplest Indian home remedy for anal fissures is to fill warm water in a bathtub and add a few drops of betadine liquid by mixing it thoroughly. Sit in a straight posture in the tub for about 10-20 minutes. You can repeat it three times each day to get relief from the pain and discomfort associated with anal fissures.
Sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath you sit in to relieve discomfort in your perineal region. Soaking this area in warm water relaxes your anal sphincter, which helps increase blood flow through your anal tissues. This promotes healing and reduces the pain, itching and irritation felt due to various health conditions.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
You should seek a doctor’s help without delay if you experience the symptoms like a fissure. These symptoms mimic other conditions like piles, fistula or even cancer. Follow up with your doctor if you:
Thus, symptoms of anal fissures to some extent may be comforted by simply following these home remedies. But in most cases, the home remedies for anal fissures can only give temporary relief to the patient. It is important to consult a doctor and follow the suggested treatment right from the day of onset of symptoms.
Fissures are usually caused by trauma to the inner lining of the anus from a bowel movement or other stretching of the anal canal. This can be due to the passing of hard stools, constipation, severe diarrhoea or anal sex.
Ointments for relaxing the anal sphincter and lessening the symptoms of anal fissure may be advised. Consult your doctor before using any cream or ointment in the affected area.
The symptoms of a fissure and a haemorrhoid can be similar. Either can cause pain, itching and bleeding. However, if you are in pain and do not feel an external lump, the condition is more likely to be a fissure. But to confirm, you will require a clinical examination by a doctor.
It may take up to 6 weeks with conservative treatment. If it has to be managed surgically, the time may be less or more, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. Anal fissures that last for 6 weeks or more are called chronic anal fissures.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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