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Is Your Anal Pain Caused by an Anal Fissure?
Published: Sep 06, 2024
Anal fissures are painful tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools. Understanding this common condition can help you find relief and prevent future occurrences.
What Causes Anal Fissures?
Anal fissures are typically caused by trauma to the anal canal, such as passing a large or hard stool. This trauma can lead to a tear in the anoderm, the sensitive skin lining the anus. High anal pressure and spasms are often associated with fissures, making them more difficult to heal.
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms of anal fissures include sharp pain during bowel movements, followed by a burning sensation. You might also notice bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Chronic fissures can lead to persistent discomfort and are often accompanied by spasms of the anal sphincter.
Atypical Fissures and Underlying Conditions
While most fissures occur at the posterior midline of the anus, atypical fissures might indicate underlying conditions like Crohn's disease. Atypical fissures can appear off the midline, be unusually deep, or recur frequently. Such cases warrant an evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by hard stools.
Symptoms include sharp pain during bowel movements and bright red blood on tissue.
Yes, they can indicate other conditions like Crohn's disease and need medical evaluation.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the causes and symptoms of anal fissures is the first step to finding relief.
References
- Shub HA, Salvati EP, Rubin RJ. Conservative treatment of anal fissure: an unselected, retrospective and continuous study. Dis Colon Rectum 1978; 21:582.
- Jensen SL. Maintenance therapy with unprocessed bran in the prevention of acute anal fissure recurrence. J R Soc Med 1987; 80:296.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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