Anal Fissure in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is an anal fissure?
Anal fissures are a tiny rip or cut in the tissue lining of one's anus. This fragile, easily damaged tissue, referred to as mucosa, serves as the lining of one's anus and could rip for numerous reasons, such as the passing of large stools in a bowel movement. Anal fissures commonly cause discomfort when passing stool and result in the appearance of blood in one's stool. Anal fissures can also lead to spasms in the muscle at the end of the anus, known as the anal sphincter.
Anal fissures are considered a chronic condition if the fissure has been present for 6 – 8 weeks or if it is a commonly recurring problem. If you believe you may be suffering from anal fissures, contact Digestive Health Center and request an appointment with a gastrointestinal provider. Our specialists provide individualized care for anal fissures in Ocean Springs, MS.
What causes an anal fissure?
Many common factors may cause an anal fissure. Causes can encompass several different things. These may include but are not limited to:
- Passing large and/or hard stools
- Anal sex
- Excessive pressure during bowel movements
- Difficulty passing stool
- Childbirth
- Persistent diarrhea
Regarding anal fissures, there are also a few factors that can elevate an individual’s risk. Some of these are also causes of this condition. Said risk factors may include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Age (anal fissures occur in higher numbers in infants and middle-aged adults)
- Constipation
- HIV and STDs
- Anal sex
- Childbirth
What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?
Typical symptoms and signs of an anal fissure can include the following:
- Continuing discomfort after a bowel movement
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Pain during bowel movements
- Visible cracking or tearing in the skin surrounding the anus
There is help for anyone suffering from anal fissures in Ocean Springs, MS. We urge you to reach out to a Digestive Health Center gastroenterology provider if you have any combination of the symptoms above or if any of these symptoms increase in severity. Always contact a provider regarding blood in your stool.
What are the possible complications of an anal fissure?
Anal fissures may be uncomfortable but do not usually progress to severe subsequential conditions. Fissures are a common problem in adults. An example of some common complications that come with having an anal fissure might include the following:
- Recurrence of the fissure
- Lack of healing
- Rifts in surrounding muscles
We urge you to talk with your GI specialist at Digestive Health Center about any questions or concerns you might have concerning complications from your anal fissure.
What are the treatments for an anal fissure?
Anal fissures will usually heal on their own inside of three weeks. To allow for the healing of anal fissures and to prevent them from returning, your gastroenterologist may suggest that you:
- Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fiber
- Avoid constipation
- Drink a sufficient amount of water
Other treatment options may include:
- BOTOX® injections for relief from muscle spasms
- Topical ointments and creams to encourage the supplemental flow of blood to the fissure, as well as for pain relief
- Surgery (less common)
- Medication to treat blood pressure to relax the anal sphincter
You should speak with your gastroenterology provider regarding your ideal treatment plan. Our team is determined to ensure you are given the personalized service and relief you deserve.
You deserve relief
An anal fissure can be challenging to live with. If you or a loved one needs treatment for anal fissures in Ocean Springs, MS, we can help. For help with your condition, call Digestive Health Center to connect with a gastroenterology provider who will help you get the relief you need to have regular bowel movements. Request an appointment as soon as possible to begin the process.
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