Anal Fissure in St. Louis, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is defined as a small tear, or cut, in the tissue lining one's anus. There is thin, delicate tissue, called mucosa, that makes up the lining of one's anus and can easily rip for a number of reasons. One of which is the passing of large stools in a bowel movement. Typically, anal fissures incite discomfort with passing stool and present with blood in one's stool. An anal fissure can also be followed by contractions in the muscle at the end of the anus or the anal sphincter.
An anal fissure is classified as a chronic condition if the fissure has been present for 6 – 8 weeks, or if it is a commonly recurring problem. If you think you could be suffering from an anal fissure, get in touch with your nearest Specialists in Gastroenterology location and request a consultation with a gastrointestinal specialist. Our providers often render personalized treatment for anal fissures in St. Louis, MO.
What are the causes of an anal fissure?
There are many unique circumstances that can cause anal fissures. They can include but are not limited to:
- Anal sex
- Persistent diarrhea
- Constipation
- Childbirth
- Passing hard and/or large stools
- Straining during bowel movements
When it comes to anal fissures, there are several factors that can increase your risk. A few are also causes of the condition. Such risk factors can include:
- Anal intercourse
- Difficulty passing stool
- Childbirth
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- HIV and STDs
- Age (anal fissures occur with greater frequency in infants and middle-aged adults)
What are the common symptoms of an anal fissure?
There are a variety of symptoms associated with anal fissures. Common symptoms of an anal fissure can include:
- Fresh red blood in the stool
- Continuing pain after a bowel movement
- Uncomfortable bowel movements
- A visible crack or tear in the tissue surrounding the anus
There is assistance available for those suffering from anal fissures in St. Louis, MO. We urge you to consult with a Specialists in Gastroenterology GI specialist if you suffer from more than one of the aforementioned symptoms, or if any of these symptoms grow more worrisome. You should always contact a provider if you notice blood in your stool.
What are the possible complications of an anal fissure?
Anal fissures can be extremely painful but generally don't progress to subsequential dangerous conditions. Fissures are a common problem in adults. An example of some typical complications that may result from an anal fissure could include:
- Fissure recurrence
- Tear in the surrounding muscles
- Lack of healing
We urge you to consult with your gastroenterology specialist at a Specialists in Gastroenterology location near you if you have any questions about complications from an anal fissure.
What treatments are available for anal fissures?
An anal fissure will often heal on its own within a few weeks. To allow for anal fissures to heal, and to prevent them from returning, your GI specialist might suggest that you:
- Eat a healthy diet high in fiber
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid being constipated
Additional treatments might include:
- Blood pressure medication to encourage relaxation of the anal sphincter
- BOTOX® injections for the relaxation of muscles/spasms
- Topical creams and ointments to encourage the flow of blood to the fissure, as well as for relief of pain
- Surgery (less common)
Please speak with your gastroenterologist to determine the optimal treatment options for you. Our providers are dedicated to ensuring that you are given the specific service and relief you deserve.
Get relief from your anal fissure
An anal fissure can be uncomfortable to deal with. If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for anal fissures in St. Louis, MO, we can help. For assistance, contact a Specialists in Gastroenterology location in your community to connect with a gastroenterology specialist who will help you obtain the relief you need to have regular bowel movements. Request a consultation at your earliest convenience to start the process.
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