What are the causes of an anal fissure?
An anal fissure often occurs when passing hard stools. Chronic constipation or frequent diarrhea can also tear the skin around the anus. Common causes are
- ● Straining during bowel movements or childbirth
- ● Low blood flow to the anorectal area
- ● Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease
- ● Over tight anal sphincter muscles, which can increase tension in the anal canal, making it more susceptible to tearing
In rare cases, an anal fissure can cause due to:
- ● Anal Cancer
- ● HIV
- ● Tuberculosis
- ● Syphilis
- ● Herpes
Risk factors of anal fissure?
Factors which increase your risk of developing an anal fissure include:
- ● Infancy: Most of the infants experience an anal fissure during their first year of life.
- ● Aging: Older adults may develop an anal fissure due to slow circulation
- ● Constipation: Strain during bowel movements increase the risk of tearing.
- ● Childbirth: Anal fissures are quite common in women after they give birth.
- ● Anal intercourse: Having anal sex can overstretch the skin and cause a fissure.
How can an anal fissure be prevented?
Anal Fissure can’t be prevented always, but you can reduce the risk by taking the following preventive measures.
- ● Keep the anal area dry.
- ● Clean the anal area gently with warm water or mild soap.
- ● Treating chronic constipation or diarrhea immediately.
- ● Avoid foods that may not be digested well.
- ● Get some physical exercises every day.
- ● Change infants diapers frequently.
