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Everyone from children to adults can get anal fissures, and they can be very painful. While usually harmless and treatable, an anal fissure can also be a sign of other health issues.
If you have – or think you have – an anal fissure, you should understand the symptoms and causes, and talk with your doctor.
The most common symptom for anal fissures is a slight tinge of blood that may be present in the stool, or may be noticed following a bowel movement. Many sufferers grow concerned that they may actually have occult blood in their stools, but this blood is generally bright red in appearance and is generated outside of the colorectal tract. Note that blood in the stool can have other causes as well.
Even though an anal fissure may be quite small in overall size, it can produce significant amounts of pain. You may experience a very sharp pain when attempting a bowel movement, which is often severe. Many patients describe this as “like passing razor blades.” You may also experience twinges when moving or performing vigorous activity.
Itching is another common symptom of anal fissures, and can be quite irritating. Itching is usually more intense if you have severe fissures, or if you are suffering from several at once. This is commonly treated with over-the-counter medication, but make sure you are not masking the symptoms of a more serious disorder.
If you have noticed prolonged symptoms like these, you may have an anal fissure that is not healing. Anal fissure treatment can be a simple process to put an end to your symptoms. Although these symptoms are considered minor when compared to other health issues, they should not be ignored. Contact a physician to determine the best course of treatment.
However, if you are experiencing constant pain, an increase in rectal bleeding, or are concerned that an underlying health problem may be present, it is a good idea to book a screening at a clinic. This screening can determine whether or not your anal fissures are a natural result of overstraining, or if you may have a more serious condition. The screening process is generally quite quick and normally painless.
Before you go, document your symptoms to assist your health professional in determining the severity of the anal fissures and whether or not this is a reoccurring health issue.
Screening for colorectal cancer and other bowel diseases is very important, especially once you reach age 35. It’s not uncommon to experience anal fissures on an infrequent basis, but if you notice increasing recurrence, you should schedule a screening to determine the exact cause of the problem.
