Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gas and Kidney Stones: Are they Related to Anal Fissures?

There are various conditions that affect the gut and the organs beside it. In some cases, these conditions lead to other conditions. Let’s take a look at these medical conditions and find out how they are related to anal fissures.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) –

This syndrome presents a combination of symptoms including changes in bowel movement, pain and discomfort in the abdomen. This condition affects the colon and causes cramping, constipation, bloating and gas. It also causes chronic diarrhea and constipation. Due to these symptoms, the anal sphincter (circular muscle around the anus that keeps the stool inside until you release a bowel movement) experiences trauma which leads to increased muscle tone, reducing the flow of blood in the area. In the process, tears or fissures appear in the anal area. In other words, these fissures are a result of the symptoms of IBS.

Gas –

Also known as bloating, belching and flatulence. Intestinal gas occurs when the abdomen is filled with gas or air and the abdomen feels tight or hard when touched. It also feels like the abdomen is bigger. Gas or bloating occurs when the bacteria in your colon ferment carbohydrates that were left undigested in your small intestine. Or, it can also be caused by another condition such as IBS, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis and constipation. It causes abdominal pain which is oftentimes mistaken as appendicitis. Constipation also causes gas in the abdomen as it blocks the natural flow of intestinal contents that result to distention. However, in this case, the gas is relieved as soon as the stool is passed. When the gas is caused by IBS, Crohn’s Disease or constipation, anal fissure is likely to occur.

Kidney Stones –

Kidney stones are formed when substances in your urine such as oxalates, uric acid and calcium stick together and crystallize. These crystals are formed within the kidney and passes through the ureter. Small crystals are often passed through your body without any issues but larger crystals cause blockage in the ureter, causing extreme pain. Kidney stones can also be a complication caused by Crohn’s Disease. Due to the damages caused by inflammation in the intestinal lining, the nutrients, fats and water from the foods you eat are no longer absorbed properly and this results to vitamin and mineral deficiency, dehydration, malnutrition, gall stones and kidney stones. Kidney stones formed as a complication of Crohn’s disease will most likely cause anal fissure.

Clearly, there are health conditions that stem from another health condition due to complications. The human body is made up of organs that are interrelated, affecting one organ to another. IBS, for example causes cracks, fissures or tunneling sores (fistulas) around the anus. These fistulas can appear in the intestines and other organs and structures such as the bladder, vagina and skin outside the body. If left untreated, the intestinal contents can enter these organs and structures, causing inflammation, infection and other complications.

If you experience anal fissure, it can be an indication of a more serious disease.