anal fissure

what is 'anal fissure'? it is a small tear of the anal lining. this is caused by the movement of hard bowels, which tears this lining. there are also other causes, such as diarrhoea and inflammation in the anorectal area. anal fissure can cause symptoms like pain, bleeding, and sometimes itching as well.

luckily, 50% of people with anal fissure do not need to go for an operation to cure anal fissure. they just have to apply medicated cream, use stool softeners, and use sitz baths( soaking of the anal area in plain, warm, water). by doing this, they relieve the symptoms, allowing healing to occur. as for those who require surgery, they cut a small portion of the anal muscle to prevent pain and spasms, which interfere with healing. this rarely interferes with the ability to control bowel movement.

anal fissures are more common among infants, but may still occur at any age. studies have shown that 80% of infants, would have had an anal fissure by the end of their first year. anal fissure rates decrease rapidly with age.

One new non-surgical method being researched for use in healing fissures is Botox (botulism toxin) injections. The injections work by weakening the anal muscles and thereby allow them to heal. This method is considered more invasive than other non-surgical options, but it has a higher success rate than treatment with nitroglycerin.