Anal Fissure in Little Rock, AR
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Find a ProviderWhat is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a tiny rip, or cut, in the tissue that lines one's anus. There is a paper-thin, delicate tissue, called mucosa, that comprises the lining of one's anus that can rip for several reasons such as the passing of large stools during a bowel movement. In most instances, anal fissures cause pain while passing bowel movements and present with blood in your stool. An anal fissure could also lead to spasms of the muscle found at the end of the anus, known as the anal sphincter.
An anal fissure is considered chronic if the fissure has been present for 6 – 8 weeks, or if it is a commonly recurring issue. If you think you could have anal fissures, reach out to a GastroArkansas location near you and request a consultation with a GI provider. Our doctors routinely provide individualized treatment for anal fissures in Little Rock, AR.
What are the causes of an anal fissure?
Several common factors may result in anal fissures. Causes could include a variety of different things such as:
- Constant diarrhea
- Difficulty passing stool
- Excessive pressure during bowel movements
- Childbirth
- Passing large and/or hard stools
- Anal intercourse
There are many factors that could increase an individual’s risk for anal fissures. Some of these risk factors may also cause anal fissures to occur. These risk factors may include:
- HIV and STDs
- Anal intercourse
- The childbirth process
- Age (anal fissures occur with greater frequency in infants and middle-aged adults)
- Constipation
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
To determine if you might be at risk for anal fissures, contact a GI specialist at a GastroArkansas location in your area today for more information.
What are common symptoms of an anal fissure?
Common signs and symptoms of anal fissures can include:
- Continuing discomfort following a bowel movement
- Painful bowel movements
- Visible cracking or tearing in the tissue surrounding the anus
- Fresh red blood in the stool
There is assistance available for those suffering from anal fissures in Little Rock, AR. We urge you to call a GastroArkansas gastroenterology provider if you experience any combination of the listed symptoms or if any of these symptoms increases in severity. You should always contact your provider if you notice blood in your stool.
What are the possible complications of an anal fissure?
Anal fissures may be extremely uncomfortable but don't usually lead to any more dangerous conditions. Fissures are often common in adults. An example of some common complications that may result from the presence of an anal fissure may include:
- Inability to heal
- Surrounding muscle tears
- Recurrence of the fissure
We urge you to consult with your GI provider at GastroArkansas regarding any questions or concerns you might have relating to complications from an anal fissure.
What are the treatments for anal fissures?
An anal fissure will often heal of its own accord within three weeks. To allow anal fissures to heal, and prevent their return, your gastroenterology specialist may recommend that you:
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid being constipated
- Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fiber
Other treatments might include:
- Surgery (less common)
- Medication to treat blood pressure to encourage relaxation of the anal sphincter
- BOTOX® injections for relief from muscle spasms
- Topical creams and ointments for increased flow of blood to the fissure and analgesic effects
You should consult with your GastroArkansas GI specialist regarding the best treatment options for you. Our caring providers in Little Rock, AR are determined that you receive the specific treatment and relief you deserve.
Relief you deserve
An anal fissure can be difficult to deal with. If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for anal fissures in Little Rock, AR help is available. For assistance, contact GastroArkansas to connect with a GI provider who will help you obtain the relief you need to regain regular bowel movements. Call to request a consultation as soon as possible to get started.
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