Anal fissures are lacerations on the anal canal that cause a lot of discomfort to the affected person. People who have anal fissures have a difficult time moving their bowels because of the pain. It is also not uncommon to see droplet of blood on the toilet paper or on the stools themselves. Despite all the discomfort they bring, however, anal fissures do not threaten the affected person’s life or other aspects of his or her health. Complications only arise when the wound becomes infected or there is inflammation.
Anal fissures are caused mainly by constipation, which leads to too much straining during bowel movement. The straining and the hard stools irritate the tissues of the anal canal and lead to cuts in the tissues. Also, chronic constipation prevents the cuts from healing faster due to repeated straining and tension with each bowel movement. Under normal circumstances, however, anal fissures heal by themselves more or less one month. The condition is present in all age groups, particularly in infants and the elderly.
Because constipation is a major cause of anal fissure, it is wise to treat or prevent it to facilitate less painful bowel movement and hasten fissure healing. Constipation is most commonly caused by lack of dietary fiber and liquids in the diet. As such, high-fiber diet and at least six glasses of water are recommended to people with constipation.
In addition to eating high-fiber foods, people with constipation can also take fiber supplements like psyllium (Plantago afra) to increase their fiber intake and resolve constipation. Thus, the use of psyllium (Plantago afra) to treat anal fissure is very practical.
What is psyllium?
Psyllium is a fiber that comes from the husk of a plant called Plantago afra or other members of genus Plantago. It is widely known for its laxative and stool-bulking abilities due to its gel-forming properties in the presence of water. The gel soaks up the water and ensures smooth passage of stools down the anal canal. In addition, psyllium can also help decrease cholesterol levels in the body.
Using psyllium (Plantago afra) to treat anal fissure
Because psyllium effectively prevents constipation, it can therefore be used to also treat anal fissure, which is a direct result of constipation. The high fiber content of psyllium helps ease bowel movement and thus prevents additional tension (e.g., straining and hard stools) that may aggravate the anal fissure or, worse, form new fissures.
Around one tablespoon of psyllium is mixed with a glass of water or juice and taken by the affected person anywhere from one to three times a day every day. Psyllium also comes in capsule form for the convenience of those who are always on the go. A person taking psyllium supplements is required to drink plenty of liquid to prevent the fiber from adhering to the intestinal walls. The additional liquid will also help ease bowel movement and detoxify the body.
Caution in taking psyllium
People who have a narrowing in the intestines or the esophagus are advised to avoid taking psyllium (Plantago afra) to treat anal fissure. Doing so may cause the person to choke. Also, those with high sodium levels are advised to minimize their intake of psyllium.
As with any other medication or supplement, it is always best to consult a doctor regarding possible side effects of psyllium as well as the proper dosage of the supplement.
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