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All about anal fissure causes of anal fissure symptoms of anal fissure treatment for anal fissure prevention of anal fissure Articles in anal and rectal disorders - anal fissure anal itching anorectal abscess ostomy pilonidal disease proctitis rectal prolapse imperforate anus hemorrhoids

What causes an anal fissure?

Most are thought to be due to passing a large or hard stool when you are constipated. The rim of the anus may stretch and tear slightly. Spasm (tightening) of the muscle around the anus (the sphincter) may play a part. Sometimes they are caused by diarrhoea or other gut problems. A hard, dry bowel movement can cause a tear in the anal lining, resulting in a fissure. Other causes of a fissure include diarrhea and inflammation of the anorectal area. Anal fissures may be acute (recent onset) or chronic (present for a long time or recurring frequently). An acute fissure is usually due to altered bowel habits while a chronic fissure may be either due to poor bowel habits, overly tight or spastic anal sphincter muscles, scarring or an underlying medical problem. Low-fiber diets, such as those lacking in raw fruits and vegetables, are associated with the development of anal fissures. No occupations are associated with a higher risk for the development of anal fissures. Prior anal surgery is a predisposing factor because scarring from the surgery may cause either stenosis or tethering of the anal canal, which makes it more susceptible to trauma from hard stool. Venereal warts, which are sexually transmitted warts caused by a virus, can look like anal fissures and may have similar symptoms.
 

More information on anal fissure

What is an anal fissure? - An anal fissure is a tear in the internal lining of the anus. This break in the anal lining often reopens during bowel movements. An anal fissure is a tear in the bowel lining.
What causes an anal fissure? - A hard, dry bowel movement can cause a tear in the anal lining, resulting in a fissure. Other causes of a fissure include diarrhea and inflammation of the anorectal area.
What're the symptoms of anal fissure? - The most common symptoms of anal fissure are pain during and after a bowel movement. Because bowel movements are painful, many people complain of constipation.
What is the treatment for an anal fissure? - Treatment of an anal fissure depends on how long the fissure has been present. Acute fissures can be managed with a bulk-forming laxative.
What can be done to prevent an anal fissure? - Anal fissures can be prevented by maintaining regularly formed bowel movements. High fiber diets and stool softeners are often beneficial. 
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