Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What is an anal fissure?

An anal fissure is a small tear or open sore in the lining of the anus which often spreads to include the anal sphincter. The anal sphincter then tends to go into spasm, causing further pain and more damage.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?

Symptoms of anal fissure include pain and some bleeding when passing a bowel movement, especially hard or large stools. Often the pain can last for hours. It can sometimes radiate down the back of your leg.

What causes an anal fissure?

An anal fissure is usually caused by physical abrasion (scraping) or damage to the lining of the rectum. This can be by large hardened stools passing through, which rip the lining; explosive diarrhea; or anal sex or insertion of a foreign body into the anus. …

Who gets an anal fissure?

Anal fissures happen in all ages and sexes, even to young children. Constipation is the common denominator. People with inflammatory bowel diseases are also at higher risk.

How is an anal fissure treated?

It usually heals itself over a few weeks, with the advice being to avoid constipation by following a high-fiber diet and using laxatives. Medications to reduce muscle spasms and provide pain relief can also be used.

Will an anal fissure clear on its own?

Most anal fissures will clear up on their own but some will need medical intervention.

What can be done at home to treat an anal fissure?

Sitting in a Sitz bath (a shallow bath covering just the hips and buttocks) is suggested to help relax your anal sphincter and reduce pain. Eating a high-fiber diet, drinking lots of water, using creams to numb the area and laxatives to …

Will an anal fissure keep coming back?

Anal fissures tend to be recurring, especially if they are caused by constipation that is not resolved. If you change your diet, they tend to heal up and stay away.

Is an anal fissure serious?

Most anal fissures are not serious, but they can be extremely painful and embarrassing. Also, anal fissures can mimic the signs and symptoms of anal or rectal cancer and other serious conditions so these must always be ruled out by your doctor.

What factors can trigger an anal fissure?

Constipation is the main cause of most anal fissures, alongside childbirth, anal sex and inflammatory bowel disease.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or rectum, which can hang down outside the anus. They are often caused by constipation and straining, obesity, heavy lifting or pregnancy. They may be uncomfortable but are not usually serious.…
Diseases & conditions

Rectal bleeding (blood in stools)

Rectal bleeding is usually due to small anal tears or haemorrhoids, but can also be caused by a bowel condition. Rectal bleeding can be a symptom of colon cancer, so it needs to be investigated by a doctor. It is very common, so do not be embarrassed about discussing it with your doctor.…
Diseases & conditions

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the large intestine or rectum. Also known as colon cancer or colorectal cancer, bowel cancer can interfere with bowel function and spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver and lungs.…
Diseases & conditions

Crohn’s disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel condition that mainly affects the intestines. The main symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal cramping and tiredness. Although there is no known cure, Crohn’s disease can be managed with medications, dietary measures and, in some cases, surgery.…

About this article

Author: Karen McCloskey BHSc
First answered: 22 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Votes: 215 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Hemorrhoids

×

Content goes in here.