Anal Fissure

Anal Fissures Are Small Tears In The Thin, Delicate Mucosa Lining Of The Anus. They Are A Common Condition, Affecting Both Men And Women, And Are Often The Result Of Passing A Large Or Hard Stool That Causes Trauma To The Anal Canal. Symptoms Can Include Severe Pain During And After Bowel Movements, As Well As Bright Red Blood In The Toilet Or On The Toilet Paper. The Key To Treating Anal Fissures Is To Keep The Area Clean And Moist While Allowing The Fissure To Heal. This Can Be Done Through Eating A Fiber-Rich Diet And Drinking Plenty Of Water To Promote Regular, Soft Bowel Movements. Over-The-Counter Ointments And Creams, Such As Hydrocortisone, Can Also Be Used To Reduce Pain And Inflammation. Other Treatments, Such As Topical Nitroglycerin, May Be Prescribed If The Fissure Does Not Respond To These Measures. In Some Cases, A Procedure Known As A Sphincterotomy May Be Recommended. During This Procedure, The Muscle At The Opening Of The Anus Is Cut To Reduce Spasm And Allow The Fissure To Heal.