Anal Fissure in Northwest Arkansas
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Find a ProviderWhat is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure may be described as a small rip or cut in the tissue lining the anus. There is fragile, easily damaged tissue called mucosa that makes up the lining of the anus. The mucosa might get tears in it for numerous reasons, one being the passing of large stools during a bowel movement. Most commonly, anal fissures create pain as you're passing stool and may be responsible for blood in your stool. Anal fissures may also lead to spasms of the muscle at the end of the anus (the anal sphincter).
An anal fissure is considered chronic if you have had the fissure for 6 – 8 weeks or if it is a commonly recurring issue. If you believe you could be suffering from an anal fissure, reach out to GI Alliance of Arkansas and schedule an appointment with a GI physician. Our experts routinely provide personalized treatment for anal fissures in Arkansas.
What causes an anal fissure to develop?
There are many everyday behaviors and circumstances that can contribute to the development of an anal fissure. These causes may encompass many different situations. They may include but are not limited to:
- Passing large and/or hard stools
- The childbirth process
- Anal sex
- Excessive pressure during bowel movements
- Constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
In regard to anal fissures, there are a number of factors that can elevate a person's risk. Some are also causes of this condition. Said risk factors might include:
- Anal intercourse
- Age (anal fissures occur with greater frequency in infants and adults of middle age)
- STDs and HIV
- Difficulty passing stool
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Childbirth
What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?
Signs of an anal fissure commonly include:
- Fresh red blood in the stool
- A visible crack or tear in the tissue surrounding the anus
- Uncomfortable bowel movements
- Lingering pain after a bowel movement
There is assistance available for anyone dealing with anal fissures in Arkansas. We urge you to consult with a GI Alliance of Arkansas GI doctor if you are having any combination of the aforementioned symptoms, or if any of these symptoms increases in severity. Always contact a doctor about blood in your stool.
What are the possible complications of an anal fissure?
Though painful, anal fissures typically are not symptomatic of more dangerous GI conditions. Fissures are very common in adults. A few commonplace complications that come with having an anal fissure may include:
- Recurrence of the fissure
- Lack of healing
- Surrounding muscle tears
We encourage you to talk with your gastroenterology specialist at GI Alliance of Arkansas about any concerns you may have concerning complications from your anal fissure.
What are the treatments for anal fissures?
In a lot of cases, anal fissures will heal without medical intervention inside of three weeks. To expedite the healing of anal fissures and to prevent them from returning, your gastroenterology specialist might suggest that you:
- Avoid food or habits that cause constipation
- Drink plenty of water
- Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fiber
Other treatments can include:
- Surgery (less common)
- Medication to treat blood pressure to relax the anal sphincter
- BOTOX® injections to relax muscle spasms
- Topical creams and ointments to increase flow of blood to the fissure (and to relieve pain)
Please speak with your gastroenterologist regarding the best treatment options for you. Our team is determined to ensure that you get the specific service and relief you deserve.
You deserve relief
An anal fissure can be a difficult ailment to live with. If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for anal fissures in Arkansas, help is available. For assistance, call GI Alliance of Arkansas to connect with a GI specialist who will help you get the relief you need to have normal bowel movements. Schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience to start the process.
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