Hemorrhoids generally last several days and often recur. Anal fissures often cause pain during and after a bowel movement, sometimes followed by throbbing pain for several hours. They are also often associated with itching and blood on toilet tissue, in the bowl, or on the surface of the stool.
The symptoms of a fissure and a hemorrhoid can be similar. Either can cause pain, itching and bleeding. However, if you are in pain and don't feel an external lump, the condition is more likely to be a fissure. If you notice that you are leaking mucus from your anus, the problem is probably a hemorrhoid.
a sharp pain when you poo, often followed by a deep burning pain that may last several hours. bleeding when you poo – most people notice a small amount of bright red blood either in their poo or on the toilet paper.
Some fissures can be minimally symptomatic, but most patients present with severe pain, bleeding, or itching. The pain can be localized to the anus but can radiate to the buttocks, upper posterior thighs, or lower back. Often the pain is triggered by a bowel movement, can last for hours, and can be severe.
Causes and Risk Factors
Passing a hard stool or prolonged episode of diarrhea. Lack of fiber in the diet and/or water with that fiber. Food that creates a rough passage through the digestive system, such as popcorn, nuts or tortilla chips.
Anal fissures often heal within a few weeks with appropriate home treatment. Take steps to keep your stool soft, such as increasing your intake of fiber and fluids. Soak in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day, especially after bowel movements. This can help relax the sphincter and promote healing.
If a fissure lasts more than 8 to 12 weeks, you may need prescription medicines. These may include nitroglycerin cream, high blood pressure medicines in pill or gel form, or injections of botulinum toxin (Botox). If medicines don't stop your symptoms, you may need to consider surgery.
Most people will fully heal within 2 to 4 weeks.
Sitting can be quite painful with an anal fissure. You may see a few drops of blood in the toilet bowel or when wiping.
Sitz bath: 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.
The exposed internal sphincter muscle beneath the tear goes into spasm. This causes severe pain. The spasm also pulls the edges of the fissure apart, making it difficult for your wound to heal.
Your GP will usually be able to diagnose an anal fissure by asking about your symptoms and examining you. They'll ask you to describe your symptoms and how long you've had them. They may also ask you about your health in general and your medical history.
Anal fissures are small cuts or tears that occur in or on the anus. They may result from passing hard stool, which can tear the delicate skin of the anus. When a fissure starts to heal, it can form a skin tag that may feel like a lump.
Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus which can cause pain, bleeding and itching. If the fissure spreads downward it can result in a swollen lump.
Pain Relief
Simple analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may be helpful in relieving the pain of an anal fissure.
Walking promotes overall good health. It lowers the chances of formation of hard stools and stimulates and promotes blood flow which is helpful if you have a fissure.
Do not use over-the-counter ointments or creams without talking to your doctor. Some of these preparations may not help. Use baby wipes or medicated pads, such as Preparation H or Tucks, instead of toilet paper to clean after a bowel movement. These products do not irritate the anus.
IF THESE PROBLEMS ARE LEFT UNTREATED
Infection of the fissure leading to pus formation in it. The fissure will get chronic with alternating painful and pain-free periods. The fissure will grow deeper and turn into a fistula (an abnormal connection between the anal canal and the skin outside.)
The pain may make it hard for you to have a bowel movement, causing constipation (having fewer bowel movements than usual). They can also cause bleeding from your anus. Anal fissures don't cause colon cancer or increase your risk of getting colon cancer.
In adults, fissures may be caused by passing large, hard stools, or having diarrhea for a long time. Other factors may include: Decreased blood flow to the area. Too much tension in the sphincter muscles that control the anus.
Over-wiping with rough and dry toilet paper can lead to itching, pain, and bleeding. In fact, improper wiping is the leading cause of America's most common bum-related injury – anal fissures (aka anal tears). Other common problems include UTI's and hemorrhoids.
In addition, stress and psychological disturbances may have a role in the development of chronic anal fissures through causing sympathetic dysfunction manifesting as a tonic pressure rise in the pressure of the anal canal [8]. Stress may be implicated in the formation and development of chronic anal fissures.