Anal Fissure in Kansas City, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is defined as a tiny tear, or cut, in the tissue that lines one's anus. There is a fragile, delicate tissue, called mucosa, that serves as the lining of the anus that could tear for many reasons including the passing of large stools during a bowel movement. Typically, anal fissures create discomfort during bowel movements and the presence of blood in one's stool. Anal fissures may also be followed by spasms of the muscle found at the end of the anus, called the anal sphincter.
An anal fissure is classified as chronic if you have had the fissure for 6 – 8 weeks or if it is a commonly recurring concern. If you believe you may be suffering from an anal fissure, call Digestive Health Specialists and book an appointment with a gastrointestinal doctor. Our practitioners routinely provide personalized treatment for anal fissures in Kansas City, MO.
What are the causes of an anal fissure?
There are many common causes of an anal fissure. These causes might encompass a number of unique circumstances. These might include but are not limited to:
- Straining during bowel movements
- The childbirth process
- Passing large and/or hard stools
- Difficulty passing stool
- Constant diarrhea
- Anal sex
When it comes to an anal fissure, there are also a few factors that might elevate an individual’s risk. Said risk factors might include:
- The childbirth process
- Difficulty passing stool
- Age (anal fissures occur more commonly in infants and adults of middle-age)
- Anal sex
- STDs and HIV
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
What are some symptoms of an anal fissure?
Usual signs and symptoms of an anal fissure can involve:
- Visible cracking or tearing in the tissue around the anus
- Lingering pain following a bowel movement
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Painful bowel movements
There is assistance available for those dealing with anal fissures in Kansas City, MO. We urge you to consult with a Digestive Health Specialists provider if you suffer from more than one of these symptoms, or if any of these symptoms become severe. You should always contact a doctor about blood in your stool.
What are the possible complications of an anal fissure?
Anal fissures may be excessively irritating but typically do not progress to any more dangerous conditions. Fissures are a common problem in adults. A few typical complications that come with the presence of anal fissure can include:
- Recurrence of the fissure
- Tear in the surrounding muscles
- Inability to heal
We invite you to speak with a gastrointestinal specialist at Digestive Health Specialists in regard to any questions you might have about complications from an anal fissure.
What are the treatments for anal fissures?
Anal fissures will typically heal of their own accord within a few weeks. To allow for the healing of anal fissures, and in an effort to prevent them from returning, your gastroenterologist might recommend that you:
- Eat a healthy diet high in fiber
- Drink a sufficient amount of water
- Avoid constipation
Alternate treatment options could include:
- Topical creams and ointments to encourage supplemental flow of blood to the fissure, and for pain relief
- Surgical intervention (less common)
- BOTOX® injections for the relaxation of muscles/spasms
- Blood pressure medication for relaxation of the anal sphincter
Please speak with your GI provider to determine the optimal treatment options for you. Our providers are dedicated to ensuring that you are given the individualized treatment and relief you deserve.
Relief you deserve
Anal fissures can be difficult to live with. If you or a loved one is in need of treatment for anal fissures in Kansas City, MO, we can help. For help with your condition, contact Digestive Health Specialists to connect with a gastroenterologist who can help you get the relief you require to have normal bowel movements. Call for an appointment as soon as possible to start the process.
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