Anal Fissure in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is an anal fissure?
Anal fissures are defined as minute cuts or splits in the tissue lining the anus. There is thin, easily injured tissue, called mucosa, that serves as the lining of one's anus. The mucosa might get tears in it for numerous reasons, such as the passing of large stools in a bowel movement. Most commonly, anal fissures cause pain as you are passing stool and may cause blood to appear in your stool. Anal fissures might also be followed by spasms of the muscle at the end of the anus, known as the anal sphincter.
Anal fissures are categorized as a chronic condition if it has been present for 6 – 8 weeks or if they are a commonly recurring issue. If you believe you may have an anal fissure, call Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates and schedule a meeting with a gastrointestinal doctor. Our practitioners routinely provide personalized care for anal fissures in Lubbock, TX.
What causes an anal fissure?
There are many typical causes that can contribute to the development of an anal fissure. These causes could encompass a variety of different situations. They can include (but are not limited to):
- Anal intercourse
- Straining during bowel movements
- Childbirth
- Difficulty passing stool
- Persistent diarrhea
- Passing large and/or hard stools
In regard to an anal fissure, there are a number of factors that may elevate a person's risk, a number of which are also causes of anal fissures. These risk factors may include:
- Age (anal fissures occur in higher numbers in infants and middle-aged adults)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Difficulty passing stool
- Anal intercourse
- STDs and HIV
- Childbirth
What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?
An anal fissure may cause any or all of the following symptoms:
- A visible crack or tear in the skin around the anus
- Continuing pain following a bowel movement
- Uncomfortable bowel movements
- Fresh red blood in the stool
There is help for anyone dealing with anal fissures in Lubbock, TX. We urge you to reach out to a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates gastroenterology specialist if you experience more than one of the above-listed symptoms, or if any one of these symptoms becomes severe. You should always contact a physician if you notice blood in your stool.
What are the possible complications of an anal fissure?
Though they are painful, anal fissures usually do not advance into anything seriously threatening to your health. Fissures are a common problem in adults. Some of the more common complications that may present with an anal fissure are:
- Inability to heal
- Fissure recurrence
- Tear in the surrounding muscles
You should consult with your GI doctor at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates regarding any concerns you may have about complications from your anal fissure.
What are the treatments for an anal fissure?
Many anal fissures can heal without medical treatment within a few weeks. To help your fissure heal (and prevent its return), your GI doctor might suggest that you:
- Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fiber
- Drink a sufficient amount of water
- Avoid constipation
Other treatments could include:
- BOTOX® injections to relax muscle spasms
- Medication to treat blood pressure for relaxation of the anal sphincter
- Topical ointments and creams to increase blood flow to the fissure, and for analgesic effects
- Surgery (less common)
Always speak with your gastroenterology physician about the best treatment options for you. Our facility is determined to ensure that you are given the personalized care and relief you need.
You deserve relief
Anal fissures can be a burden on your health and general comfort. If you or a loved one is in need of treatment for anal fissures in Lubbock, TX, we can help. For help with your condition, reach out to Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates to connect with a GI specialist who can help you obtain the relief you need to have regular bowel movements. Request a consultation at your earliest convenience to get started.
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