There are numerous medical issues that a person can suffer from that have to do with a person's digestive system. One of those conditions is something known as an anal fissure. If you are having issues with bowel movements and are concerned that you may have an anal fissure, get to know more about this medical condition, including the ways you can determine if you have one and the treatment options available to you. Then, you can be sure that you are taking the best possible care of your health now and in the future.

Understanding the Symptoms of an Anal Fissure

Anal fissures can cause a variety of issues and symptoms, some of them fairly obvious and others less so. One of the most common and prevalent symptoms of an anal fissure is pain, specifically severe or sharp pain when trying to pass a bowel movement. However, that pain can continue beyond when a person is trying to pass a bowel movement. In fact, the pain can actually be constant. The pain is often most severe when using the restroom but can continue as an aching sensation or burning sensation the rest of the time.

Anal fissures can also cause discomfort or burning when urinating as well as a skin tag or growth around the rectum or anus. Itching can also be a sign of an anal fissure. Many people also notice bright red blood after they have a bowel movement if they have an anal fissure.

Knowing How You Get an Anal Fissure

A person can develop an anal fissure for a wide variety of reasons. Hard feces due to a poor diet or other digestive issue can cause an anal fissure because the feces can tear the lining of a person's anus. Childbirth can also be the cause of an anal fissure because of all of the muscle strain and stretching during the birthing process.

People who have chronic digestive issues that can cause constipation, diarrhea, or other issues are often the primary victims of anal fissures. And sometimes, in spite of medical tests and examinations, no exact cause can be determined for a person's anal fissure.

Knowing What You Can Do About It

Most anal fissures clear up on their own without a great deal of intervention. Oftentimes, the best thing you can do is try to eat a diet of bland and soft foods, as well as foods rich in fiber. You can also soothe the pain with warm baths and the use of over-the-counter medications to soften your stool.

If an anal fissure persists or is chronic, on the other hand, the condition might require surgery. Surgery would be performed to remove the affected portion of the anus, thereby removing the fissure. Another option would be to prevent spasms that may be causing the anal fissure by removing a different portion of the tract and allowing the fissure to heal on its own.

Now that you better understand anal fissures and the ways that they can be dealt with, you can be sure that you are properly taking care of your health. Talk to a doctor at Pilipshen Colon & Rectal Surgical Services for more information.