The occurrence of anal fissures is something that can be both painful and dangerous to one’s overall health. Therefore, it is important for you to understand the definition, cause, signs and symptoms of anal fissures. In understanding the definition, cause, signs and symptoms of anal fissures, you can provide yourself with more information about how to identify anal fissures through the symptoms that it manifests, as well as how to deal with the condition with both the help of medical professionals and prescribed medicines.
Anal fissures can affect anyone, regardless of their age and of their state of health. However, they are mostly seen in young people who are otherwise healthy. An anal fissure is strictly defined as any tear of the lining tissues located at the lower rectum, otherwise called as the anal canal. This tear in the lining of the rectum can cause discomfort ranging from mild to extreme pain during bowel movement, making it difficult for a person to completely eliminate waste when it is necessary to do so. Fortunately, anal fissures do not lead to more serious complications. However, given that a person may think that not pooping for some time is the solution to prevent feeling pain, it may cause constipation and a problem with easy digestion and bowel movement.
In many anal fissure cases, most of the lining tears disappear over time, approximately after just a few days or weeks. In this instance, the fissure is considered as a short-term, or acute, anal fissure. However, if the anal fissure continues to irritate a person and does not heal by itself after eight to twelve weeks, it might be something that can be considered as a cause of long-term or chronic anal fissure. This type of anal fissure may require treatment from a medical professional.
Anal fissures can either result from trauma or injury to the anal canal. The anal canal can be injured by particular instances such as when you pass a large piece of stool, if you are experiencing constant diarrhea, if you are experiencing constipation and you are trying to pass a hard stool, or when you are giving birth. Childbirth can actually cause extreme trauma to the rectal and anal areas.
If you are experiencing any sort of discomfort and you think that it is likely caused by a fissure, you can have your rectum examined. If you are feeling a stinging, sharp, or burning pain when you are eliminating waste, or if you feel an itching and you see signs of bleeding (bright red spots of blood appear in your toilet tissue or in the bowl), then you may be experiencing an anal fissure.
However, even if you feel any sort of symptom that could pertain to having anal fissures, it is still important for you to take the time to go to a medical professional and go through a rectal exam in order to ensure that you are really having an anal fissure. A doctor would be able to provide you with the necessary information, as well as prescription for your condition.