Do you feel a sharp itchy pain or a burning sensation during bowel movement? Do you feel uncomfortable during urination? It could be an anal fissure.
What is it exactly? Where does anal fissure come from and can it be infected?
Anal fissures are basically an anal tear. It can be an ulcer or a crack that can be found in the anal canal lining. Essentially, it is a cut in the anal area that may extend to the anal canal. It is quite a common problem that affects both young and old people, men and women alike.
Colorectal doctors report that one tenth of all the patient complaints they receive are about anal fissures. It is common for people affected by this condition to feel sharp pain not only during but also after going to the toilet. A bright red blood may also be seen in the stool.
Anal fissures do not necessarily grow more than a centimeter. As a matter of fact, most are less than a centimeter. However, the pain is not something to be underestimated. It is not about the size of the tear but the nature of the area affected. The fact is the anus is a sensitive part and that’s what makes the pain worse than what can be expected from a tiny tear.
What causes a tear in the anus?
A cut or tear in the anus can be caused by a trauma or injury to the anal canal. Such a trauma can occur due to constipation, chronic diarrhea, passing a large hard stool and childbirth. In other cases, fissures can come as a result of anal intercourse, Crohn’s disease or even rectal exam.
According to experts, any activity that forces extra tension to the muscular rings that controls the anus may result to a fissure. These muscular rings are the outer anal and inner sphincter. On one hand, the outer anal sphincter can be controlled consciously. The other muscular however, is not controlled consciously.
The inner sphincter is under constant pressure which it may be able to handle. The problem occurs when the tension is too much so much so that it leads to spasms. When the blood flow to the anus is reduced significantly, a fissure is likely to occur. Experts also believe that the pressure in the area can keep the anal tear from healing completely.
Does fissure cause infection?
It is possible for anal fissures to heal on its own without any kind of treatment. There are cases however, when fissures can reoccur even after treatment. Fissure is a condition that should be taken seriously. Without treatment, it is likely to become infected.
If anal fissures are not treated properly, it may deepen and that increases the risk to infection. As a result, an abnormal opening that goes from the anus extending to the nearby organs may develop. The anus can become narrow as scar tissue may develop in the area. Aside from the risk to infection, an anal fissure can be much more painful without treatment.
Please Share
