Anal Fissure in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the tissue lining the anus. This thin, easily injured tissue, called mucosa, makes up the lining of the anus and can tear due to numerous reasons, such as the passing of large stools during a bowel movement. In most instances, anal fissures create discomfort with bowel movements and present with blood in your stool. Anal fissures could also be followed by spasms of the muscle at the end of the anus, referred to as the anal sphincter.
An anal fissure is categorized as a chronic condition if the fissure has been present for 6 – 8 weeks or if it is a recurring problem. If you suspect you may be suffering from an anal fissure, call Gastroenterology Associates to request a consultation with a GI doctor. Our GI specialists provide personalized care for anal fissures in Baton Rouge, LA.
What are the causes of an anal fissure?
There are many factors that may result in anal fissures. Causes might include a variety of unique situations. They may include but are not limited to:
- Constant diarrhea
- Excessive pressure during bowel movements
- Childbirth
- Anal intercourse
- Constipation
- Passing hard and/or large stools
There are also a few factors that can increase a person's risk. These risk factors can include:
- Age (anal fissures occur with greater frequency in infants and middle-aged adults)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Anal intercourse
- Childbirth
- HIV and STDs
- Difficulty passing stool
What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?
Common symptoms and signs of an anal fissure can involve:
- Fresh red blood in the stool
- Lasting discomfort following a bowel movement
- A visible crack or tear in the tissue surrounding the anus
- Painful bowel movements
We urge you to call a Gastroenterology Associates GI doctor if you suffer from more than one of the listed symptoms, or if any one of these symptoms grows more worrisome. You should always contact a doctor about blood in your stool. We are here to help you find anal fissure treatment.
What are the possible complications of an anal fissure?
Anal fissures may be extremely uncomfortable but generally don't lead to more serious conditions. Fissures are a common problem in adults. An example of some common complications that may result from having an anal fissure can include:
- Surrounding muscle tears
- Lack of healing
- Fissure recurrence
What are the treatments for an anal fissure?
Anal fissures will usually heal of their own accord within a few weeks. To allow for anal fissures to heal, and in an effort to prevent them from returning, your gastroenterology specialist could recommend that you:
- Eat a healthy diet high in fiber
- Avoid being constipated
- Drink a sufficient amount of water
Alternative treatment options may include:
- Fissure treatment cream for increased flow of blood to the fissure, and for relief of pain
- BOTOX® injections for relief from muscle spasms
- Blood pressure medication to encourage relaxation of the anal sphincter
- Surgery (less common)
You deserve relief
Anal fissures can be painful to deal with. If you or a family member is seeking treatment for anal fissures in Baton Rouge, LA, help is available. The gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Associates can help you get the relief you need to have regular bowel movements. Request an appointment at a location near you to begin the process.
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