A small tear in the lining of the anal canal is known as an anal fissure. The condition occurs in 80 percent of infants and is also seen in older adults when constipation or decreased blood flow is present, according to MedlinePlus. Symptoms of an anal fissure include slight pain and bleeding at the rectal area, itching and irritation as well as a visible tear around the anus. A visual exam often diagnoses the condition.
Lifestyle Changes
A high fiber diet assists in the treatment of anal fissures by keeping stools soft. A person may increase his daily fiber intake by adding whole grains as well as fresh fruits and vegetables to his diet. According to MayoClinic.com, a person should strive for 20 to 35g of fiber per day. Additional fiber may be added to a person's diet by taking fiber supplements. Increasing fiber also requires increasing fluid intake as well.
Hydrating the body by drinking water throughout the day will help soften stools and prevent constipation. Caffeinated beverages should be avoided, however, as they increase dehydration, says the Cleveland Clinic. Daily physical exercise to increase bowel movements and blood circulation is recommended. A person may choose to sit in a warm bath or use a sitz bath to relieve discomfort associated by the fissures.
Medications
A person suffering from anal fissures may decrease inflammation and pain associated with the condition by self-administering over-the counter or prescription-strength medications. Creams or suppositories containing cortisone or hydrocortisone reduce inflammation. According to MedlinePlus, botox injections into the anal sphincter temporarily paralyze the anal sphincter allowing the area to heal. Ointments containing nitroglycerin or calcium channel blocker ointments increase blood flow to the anal area and allow the anal fissure to heal more rapidly.
Surgery
When the anal fissure will not heal, surgery is often a last resort. Removal of a small portion of the anal sphincter decreases muscle spasms and pain and gives the sphincter additional healing time. Pain subsides in a few days, and complete healing takes just several weeks, according to MayoClinic.com.The medical doctor may also remove the area of the tear and any related scar tissue, reports the clinic. The procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery. A person receiving surgery for anal fissure may continue to suffer from deep fissures in the future.
No Treatment
According to MayoClinic.com, nearly 90 percent of anal fissures heal without invasive medical treatment, and only following lifestyle changes and conservative medication options are needed. Most anal fissure symptoms disappear in about two weeks. If the tear doesn’t heal between six and eight weeks, however, surgery may be recommended.
