Anal fissure

Diagnosis

Diagnosing anal fissures

Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and the type of pain you've been experiencing. They may also ask about your toilet habits. They'll usually be able to see the fissure by gently parting your buttocks.

A Rectal examination where your GP inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into your anus to feel for abnormalities isn't usually used to diagnose anal fissures as it's likely to be painful.

Your GP may refer you for specialist assessment if they think something serious may be causing your fissure.

This may include a more thorough examination of your anus carried out using anaesthetic to minimise pain.

Occasionally, ameasurement of anal sphincter pressure may be taken for fissures that haven't responded to simple treatments. The anal sphincter is the ring of muscles that open and close the anus.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 14 Jan 2018
Medical Author: Dr. med. Diana Hysi

Articles for anal fissure

Introduction

An anal fissure is a small lesion in the lining of the anal canal. The crack in the skin causes severe pain and some bright red bleeding during and after bowel movements.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an anal fissure are pain during defecation which is accompanied with a deep, severe pain which lasts for several hours, bleeding during defecation, etc. It is recommended to see a physician after experiencing the aforementioned symptoms.

Treating anal fissures

Symptoms of anal fissures may pass without specific treatment. They can however return if patients to not undertake measures to prevent them, especially in trying to prevent constipation from occurring. In some patients, symptoms may last for six weeks or more (chronic fissure).

Causes

The most common cause for a fissure is frequent constipation. A few people experience defecating large and rigid feces which may damage the anal canal upon exit. Other causes include: Chronic diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, giving birth, pregnancy, sexually transmissible diseases, etc.

Diagnosis

A doctor will take a thorough history of your symptoms and their characteristics. The doctor may perform a rectal exam, during which they may observe the patient blood and pain upon pressure.

Prevention

Anal fissures usually heal within a few weeks without the need for treatment. However, they can easily recur if they're caused by constipation that remains untreated. Adopting some simple self-help measures can make passing stools easier. This will allow existing fissures to heal.

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