Fissure problem?!
Question:
Fissure problem?
For the past thre months i'v been suffering from anal fissures actually there is just one fissure in the anal region. does beign overweight have anything to do with fissures? Will i not ever recover from this problem and will it keep reoccuring? I hear in pregnancy the problem aggravates i'm recently married will it pose a problem for me?i'm at present on ayurvedic treatment have recovered almost 65-70% in past one and half month
Answers:
An anal fissure is a tear in the skin around the opening of the anus. It can cause sharp pain, especially when opening the bowels. Anal fissure is thought to be a common disorder for which many people do not seek medical advice. It can be easily confused with haemorrhoids (piles).
Sudden and severe pain in or around the anus is the main symptom of an anal fissure. The pain often occurs during or shortly after a bowel movement, but may also occur at other times. This pain can be severe - and is often described as like passing razor blades. As a result, a fissure sufferer is likely to dread opening their bowels.
An anal fissure may cause a "sentinel pile". This is a little tag of skin that develops on the edge of the anus where the fissure is. It may leave a streak of bright red blood on the toilet paper or drops of blood in the toilet bowel. A sentinel pile is not a haemorrhoid.
Most anal fissures are at the rear of the anal opening - in line with the cleft of the buttocks. A fissure can also occasionally be to the front or sides of the anus.
Anal fissures occur most commonly in young adults.
Frequently, no cause is found for an anal fissure. However, it is commonly linked to constipation, where straining on hard stools can tear the skin of the anus.
The internal anal sphincter (see diagram, above) is thought to play a key role in the development of an anal fissure. This is one of two muscles that control the opening of the anus. Both muscles need to relax in order to pass a stool. Unlike the exterior anal sphincter, which can be tensed or relaxed voluntarily, there is no voluntary control of the internal sphincter. Because of the pain of a fissure, the internal anal sphincter may go into spasm - causing a raised pressure within the anus.
This excess pressure makes it harder to pass a stool, making constipation worse, and contributing to a vicious circle. The spasm of the internal anal sphincter can also restrict the blood supply to the anal skin, which reduces its ability to heal.
Changes to diet and lifestyle will help to encourage healing of a fissure. The main aim is to try and avoid constipation, so that stools are smaller and softer.
This can be achieved by eating a diet that is rich in fibre, including plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals such as brown rice, bread and pasta. You should also aim to drink enough water-based drinks so that your urine is no darker than pale yellow.
Taking a regular supplement of bulk-forming laxative (eg Fybogel) or a laxative that softens the stool (eg lactulose syrup) will help the healing process and prevent further tears.
Sitting in a warm bath after using the toilet may also relieve the spasm and bring some relief from the discomfort.
If your fissure has not healed despite these lifestyle changes, or if you are worried about it, you should see your doctor. If you have blood in your stool (rather than some spotting on toilet paper or in the bowel) or have recently experienced altered bowel habits or have been losing weight, another problem may be responsible for your symptoms and you should seek medical advice promptly.