What Is The Cause And Treatment For Anal Fissure?

Posted on Sat, 12 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 12 Apr 2014 Answered on

Fri, 2 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : This last Monday evening, i started having pain around my anus. When i felt that area, there was a protruding bulge that was very painful. I have had issues with hard stools & constipation. I tried using Preparation H and Motrin for the discomfort, assuming my problem is a hemhorriod. Today I am bleeding from that area. It is bright red blood, and with a mirror, I can see a protruding bulge. It has gotten a little bit better each day since Monday & doesn't hurt a lot now. Should I go to emergency room?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Possibility of fissure in anus Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare Greetings of the day Dear Ms, Its likely that you are suffering from anal fissure. The protruding bulge is Sentinel pile( its overgrowth of skin at at the site of fissure). Constipation and hard stools causes tear at opening of anus causing fissure. Fissure is similar to Ulcer. It causes spasm of muscle causing pain and bleeding. There is no need for emergency visit to ER. I will advise you to following 1. Hot Seitz bath:To a tub of lukewarm water add a handful of common table salt. Sit in it for 15-20 minutes thrice a day. It will reduce the pain 2. After Seitz bath apply combination of Xylocaine + hydrocortisone twice a day 3. Local application of Nitroglycerine ointment applied to anal opening will reduce the muscle spam. Apply it at bedtime before retiring. 4. Laxative like Lactulose will be effective in relieving constipation. 5. Plenty of oral fluids 6. High fiber diet In case you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Take Care Best regards Dr Deepak Kishore MBBS,MS,MCH Consultant Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (13 minutes later)

Thank you. If this is not hemhorroid but instead anal fissure, should I seek medical attention? Is this a condition that indicates more serious problems? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer: It's a benign disorder Detailed Answer: Greetings It's not a emergency. You can seek medical advice by taking routine appointment only for confirmation of diagnosis by visual examination. If it turns out to be fissure , the treatment will be the same as I advised. There is no need to be worried about. Take care Best Regards Dr Deepak

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar