What is an Anal Fissure?
An anal fissure is a tear or cut in the lining of the anus. Anal fissures are a common problem and may sometimes be confused with hemorrhoids. Anal fissures can affect people of any age group, but are more common in people under age 50. What Are The Symptoms Of An Anal Fissure? Symptoms of an anal fissure include: • Sharp pain during and after bowel movements. Pain is often severe • Bright red blood with bowel movements, which may be on the stool, in the toilet bowel, or on toilet paper you have used • Spasm in the sphincter muscles of the anus, caused by irritation of the tear during a bowel movement • An anal fissure may give rise to a “sentinel pile”, which is a skin tag along the edge of the anus next to the fissure. This is sometimes confused with a hemorrhoid. What Causes Anal Fissures? A tear in the anal lining can occur with: • Hard, dry bowel movements • Straining to have a bowel movement when constipated • Diarrhea • Inflammatory diseases of the anorectal area such as Crohn’s
