An anal fissure, which is a small tear in the skin around the anal opening, can be painful. This common condition can be prevented and usually can be healed with diet changes, according to international health care company Bupa. If you have this problem and your symptoms do not improve within two weeks, consult your physician.
Causes
A hard dry bowel movement is the usual cause of an anal fissure. About 25 percent of people with chronic anal fissures experience constipation, and straining during a bowel movement can tear the skin, explains Bupa. Most anal fissures in children are caused by constipation. A fissure also can result from diarrhea and can occur during pregnancy. Large or numerous fissures may indicate inflammatory bowel disorder or a sexually transmitted disease.
Symptoms
The main symptom of an anal fissure is severe pain in or around the anus. The pain can last for hours after a bowel movement. The fissure might become itchy, and a tag of skin may develop below it. The fissure might bleed and leave bright red blood on the toilet paper or some drops in the toilet bowl.
Prevention/Solution
The primary solution for anal fissures is preventing constipation and softening your stools. Drink plenty of water because stools can become harder when you're dehydrated. Healed fissures can easily reopen after a hard bowel movement. In addition, increasing dietary fiber is one of the best ways to soften and add bulk to stools, according to medical doctors Elizabeth Breen and Ronald Bleday at Up To Date. The recommended amount of daily dietary fiber is 20 to 35 g.
Fiber Sources
Sources of fiber include whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables and legumes such as lentils, split peas and soy. Some breads and breakfast cereals are high in fiber, and you can add unprocessed wheat bran to cereal and casseroles. Whole wheat pasta is another good choice.
Supplements
Fiber supplements also are available, including psyllium seed and methylcellulose, commonly known as the brands Metamucil and Citrucel. These bulk-forming substances work by absorbing water in the intestines, softening stools and increasing the frequency of bowel movements. The products are safe to take long-term and are not habit-forming, according to doctors Breen and Bleday. They may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions, however, so consult your doctor before taking these supplements if you have any health disorder.
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