Fissure

ANAL FISSURE: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin lining of the anus, often causing sharp pain and bleeding during bowel movements.

It is commonly triggered by trauma from hard or large stools, chronic constipation, prolonged diarrhea, or excessive straining. Although often acute and self-healing, some fissures can become chronic without proper care.

Symptoms of Anal Fissure

• Sharp pain during or after bowel movements
• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the stool
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• A visible crack or tear near the anal opening
• Muscle spasms in the anal sphincter (in some cases)

Causes

• Passing hard stools that stretch the anal canal
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Childbirth-related trauma
• Heavy lifting causing straining
• Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease

Treatment Options

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Increase dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Drink plenty of water to keep stools soft
• Avoid straining during bowel movements

2. Home Remedies

• Warm sitz baths (10–15 minutes) to soothe pain and relax muscles
• Apply natural remedies like coconut oil or aloe vera for healing
• Cold compresses to reduce inflammation and discomfort

3. Medications

• Topical anesthetics like lidocaine for pain relief
• Nitroglycerin or calcium channel blockers to relax anal sphincter muscles
• Stool softeners to ease bowel movements

4. Medical Procedures

• Botox Injections: Temporarily relax sphincter muscles and improve healing
• Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy: Minor surgery to relieve tension in chronic fissures

Most anal fissures heal within a few weeks with consistent care, but chronic or recurring cases may require medical attention.