ANAL FISSURES
Anal fissures are tiny cuts in the walls of the anus that can make bowel movements painful and uncomfortable and cause blood.
Common anal fissure causes include:
Constipation: The anal lining may be stretched and torn by passing hard or big faeces.
Diarrhoea: Frequent bowel movements could cause discomfort and cracks in the anus.
Childbirth: Anal cracks may occur in certain women because of the strain and pressure put on the anal region during labor and delivery.
Anal sex: The pressure and rubbing of anal sex can result in small tears within the walls of the anus.
Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's disease, as well as ulcerative colitis, can lead to inflammation within the anal area, which can cause cracks to form.
Some common symptoms of anal fissures include:
Pain during bowel movements: Anal cracks can cause sharp, severe pain when you have to go to the bathroom.
Bleeding: Anal cracks may lead to bright red blood showing up on the top of the stool or even on the toilet paper.
Itching or burning: Because the lining is torn, the area around the anus may feel itchy or burned.
Muscle spasms: Sometimes, the muscles within the anus can tighten up and make the pain worse.
Some things that could go wrong with anal cracks are:
Chronic fissures: If an anal crack doesn't heal the right way, it can turn into a long-term problem that causes pain and difficulty.
Abscesses: An anal crack can sometimes get infected, which can lead to an abscess, which is a pus-filled pocket that needs medical care.
Fistulas: A chronic anal fissure can result in an anal fistula, which is an abnormal connection between the anus and the skin surrounding the anus.
Incontinence: Rarely, fecal incontinence (the inability to regulate bowel motions) may result from an anal fissure.
Emotional distress: Anal fissures can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and these can make people feel anxious and sad.