Myths Vs. Facts: Anal Fissures

For many people, the pain, potential embarrassment, and experience of seeing blood coming from the buttocks can be emotionally traumatic, causing them to suffer in silence rather than seeking treatment. An anal fissure, which is often confused with haemorrhoids, is a tear in the sensitive tissue that lines the anus. Anal fissures usually heal on their own with conservative treatment.

Around one in every ten people suffer from anal fissures at any age. They are most common among infants & middle-aged individuals. Yet, they can affect people of all ages and gender. Facing anal fissures might feel embarrassing. As such, people often avoid the symptoms until it becomes painful and fatal. Read here to find out more.

What are Anal Fissures?

Anal fissures are tears or cuts that occur within the anus. The anus is an opening via which the stool goes out of our body. It goes upward into the anal canal. Anal fissures are common conditions and a major anus-related issue. Almost 15 percent of the colon or rectal visits across hospitals are due to anal fissures. An anal fissure can affect both women and men in an equal manner. They can also affect both old and young people. Anal fissures can result in pain while bowel movements. The condition is often severe. An anal fissure is a common reason for rectal bleeding among infants.

Causes of Anal Fissure

There are several causes of anal fissures. Some of them are:

• Constipation: Passing hard and large stools can cause tears around the anal area.
• Diarrhea: Anal fissures can develop with repeated diarrhea.
• Childbirth and Pregnancy: Pregnant women are more prone to developing anal fissures. They develop towards the end stages of the pregnancy. Childbirth can result in tearing of the anus lining.
• Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs): STIs or STDs have high links to anal fissures. These include HIV, HPV, syphilis, chlamydia or herpes.
• Underlying conditions: Conditions like Crohn’s disease can create ulcers. Inflammatory bowel issues are also known to cause ulcers. These ulcers can form anal fissures.

Signs and Symptoms of Anal Fissure

The major symptoms of anal fissures are:

• Pain while passing stools. Sharp pain while passing stool and a deeper burning sensation afterwards. Patients often avoid the toilet fearing pain. This results in constipation and further complicates the issue.
• Avoiding the bathroom can worsen the tears and pain. Stools become larger and harder. Even cleaning with toilet paper can cause pain.
• Fresh blood while passing stools or cleaning is a symptom of anal fissures. Bleeding is common when infants have anal fissures. 
• Itching and scratching across the anal position. This sensation is persistent or intermittent
• Dysuria is discomfort while urinating. Frequent urination can also cause pain.

Myths vs Facts

There are several myths related to anal fissures. It is important to expose these myths. Here are a few:

Myth 1: You are the only one suffering from Anal Fissure.
Fact: Absolutely not! An anal fissure is a very common disease among young infants too. It affects people of all ages. Also, susceptibility towards anal fissures usually reduces with age.

Myth 2: Anal fissures affect only the elderly.
Fact: No. Anal fissures can affect people of all ages. It is more common among young infants but people of all ages can get infected. Anal fissures occur due to several internal and external reasons. These can be passing big or hard stools or intestinal swelling.

Myth 3: Anal Fissure treatment needs surgery
Fact: Not really. The Majority of anal fissures improve with simple remedies. These can be increasing fibre intake and sitz baths. Sometimes anal fissures need medication.

Doctors suggest surgery when a patient is not responding to any medical treatment. It is important to treat fissures in an appropriate manner. It is often mistaken for a haemorrhoid. As such, having it checked can be helpful. The surgery is delicate but it is generally without any risks.

Myth 4: Spicy foods and cold surfaces cause Anal Fissure.
Fact: This is a myth. Spicy foods cannot be blamed for anal fissures. These occur due to uncoordinated anal activities & passing hard stool. Yet, if a person is already having anal fissures, it is best to avoid any spicy food for some time. They can also cause pain for people having digestive troubles.

Myth 5: Exercises must be avoided if you have Anal Fissure.
Fact: Absolutely wrong. One can resume exercises based on the severity of the condition. In case of mild symptoms, exercises can be resumed. A person with home remedies or few medications can continue their exercise regime. But, avoid heavy lifting so that recovery can be quick.

Myth 6: Chances of cancer go up with piles
Fact: No. Piles or anal fissures do not cause or increase the risks of rectal or colon cancer.

Prevention

Preventing anal fissures is easy. Follow some hygiene steps:

• Keep the stools soft: Need to eat a nutritional and well-balanced diet. It should have high fibre. Ensure adequate intake of liquid and fluid. Drink plenty of water
• Don’t delay bathroom: Waiting means stools becoming harder and larger. It causes anal fissures.
• Babies: Change diapers at regular intervals. Keep checking for redness or rashes.
• Sharp Foods: One should avoid foods that are not well-digested. These can be popcorn or nuts. Check with your dietician for allergic foods.
• Wiping: Avoid using hard toilet paper in fissure symptoms. Doctors recommend using moistened cotton pads or clothes for susceptible individuals. Avoid perfumed or rough toilet paper.
• Exercise: Unlike several myths, exercises actually help. Regular exercise helps in reducing constipation. This reduces the risks of fissures. Hydrate well before & after exercises.
• Straining: Avoid sitting in the toilet for long periods. This results in straining.

Conclusion

Treating anal fissures is not difficult. Various treatments are available for treating anal fissures. Most of them are non-surgical, and done via medicines and home treatment. A healthy and hygienic lifestyle reduces the chances of anal fissures.

Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata’s Laser Proctology Program strives towards treating through the minimal invasive technique. Our renowned and experienced surgeons who will spend a significant amount of time with you in order to diagnose your condition. We have all types of diagnostic facilities available at our premises to provide you with the correct diagnostic results. All pre-surgery medical diagnostics are done for you right here at Medica.

Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata’s Laser Proctology Program strives towards treating through the minimal invasive technique. Our renowned and experienced surgeons who will spend a significant amount of time with you in order to diagnose your condition. We have all types of diagnostic facilities available at our premises to provide you with the correct diagnostic results. All pre-surgery medical diagnostics are done for you right here at Medica.