Why does it feel like razor blades when I poop? Extreme pain that feels like you are passing glass or razor blades when you are pooping can be caused by several different conditions, including an anal fissure, anal fistula or piles (also known as haemorrhoids).
Anal fissure symptoms
The most common symptoms of anal fissures are: 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.
Proctalgia is pain due to a spasm of the pelvic floor muscles, the muscles of the anal sphincter, or the muscles of the rectum. This causes severe stabbing pain like a knife sticking into the rectum. This type of pain may originate without warning. It may vary in severity and duration.
Why does it feel like razor blades when I poop? Extreme pain that feels like you are passing glass or razor blades when you are pooping can be caused by several different conditions, including an anal fissure, anal fistula or piles (also known as haemorrhoids).
An anal fissure is a tear or split in the lining of the anus (anal mucosa). The symptoms include pain and bright red blood from the anus. Treatment options include laxatives and surgery. Self-help suggestions include switching to a high-fibre diet and drinking plenty of water.
Pain after bowel movements that can last up to several hours. Bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper after a bowel movement. A visible crack in the skin around the anus. A small lump or skin tag on the skin near the anal fissure.
Acute Fissure: It is the first stage of a fissure, during which the tear is still fresh and causes significant pain and discomfort. During this time, you may also experience bleeding, itching and a burning sensation in that area. The anal fissure is the most common fissure type.
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.)
Anal fissures don't lead to more serious problems. Most anal fissures heal with home treatment after a few days or weeks. These are called short-term (acute) anal fissures. If you have an anal fissure that hasn't healed after 8 to 12 weeks, it is considered a long-term (chronic) fissure.
Fissures are sometimes confused with hemorrhoids. These are inflamed blood vessels in, or just outside, the anus. Both fissures and hemorrhoids often result from passing hard stool.
Dairy products: Milk, cheese and other heavy cream products should be avoided while you are suffering from symptoms of anal fissure. Red meat: Red meat is the hardest to digest and can delay stool passing, thus is not advisable to consume for people with symptoms or tendencies of anal fissure.
The most common warning sign of an anal fissure is severe pain during a bowel movement. The pain may last at that level for a few minutes or a few hours after your trip to the bathroom. Other signs of an anal fissure include: Blood in stool.
Causes of anal discharge
Mucus-based discharge may be caused by: Infection due to food-poisoning, bacteria or parasites. An abscess due to infection or an anal fistula – a channel that can develop between the end of your bowel and anus after an abscess.
Support your feet with a small step stool when you sit on the toilet. This helps flex your hips and places your pelvis in a squatting position. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter laxative, such as Milk of Magnesia or Restoralax.
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.
Keep the anal area clean by washing with water every day. Don't use soaps as they will reduce the natural oils that protect the anus and may make the area dry and itchy. Use aqueous cream or a soap-free cleanser instead.
Common causes include: Chronic diarrhea Constipation Hemorrhoids Crohn's disease The skin of the anus can stick to the stool and make it difficult to clean the anorectal area after a bowel movement. Leaky gut Leaky gut is also known as fecal incontinence.
The most common treatment for a fecal impaction is an enema, which is a special fluid that your doctor inserts into your rectum to soften your stool. An enema often makes you have bowel movements, so it's possible that you'll be able to push out the mass of stool on your own once it's been softened by the enema.
Most people will fully heal within 2 to 4 weeks.
Dairy products: Milk, cheese and other heavy cream products should be avoided while you are suffering from symptoms of anal fissure. Red meat: Red meat is the hardest to digest and can delay stool passing, thus is not advisable to consume for people with symptoms or tendencies of anal 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.