Anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anal canal caused by constipation and straining. It can be very painful. It is a common condition and if you feel pain and a couple of blood spots in your stool while having uncomfortable bowel movements, it is most likely due to fissure.
Chronic constipation, diarrhea, trauma during child birth and intercourse or insertion of any foreign body in the anal canal can cause fissure. Anal pain can be a short pain during bowel movement or a longer period of pain lasting a few hours following a bowel movement. You may find itching or some mucus discharge from the rectum in some cases. Anal fissures can sometimes be confused with external hemorrhoids.
Most Anal fissures can be healed with natural home remedies and taking certain precautionary measure. In very rare case of severe infections and complexities they may require medication or even surgery.
Interestingly emotional stress can also cause anal fissures by reducing blood supply to the muscular ring called internal anal sphincter. This reduced blood flow not only may become the cause of fissure but also delay the healing process.
7 Steps to Heal an Anal Fissure
Most anal fissures heal themselves without needing any treatment. They may take several weeks to do so. There are many natural remedies which can speed up the healing process. Some of them are very common sense remedies and others are simple.
1. Ensure that it is Anal Fissure
Anal fissure can be easily misunderstood with external hemorrhoid if you have a history of hemorrhoids. The first thing is to make sure that it is an anal fissure. Let your doctor examine you and confirm it. Once it is confirmed the doctor may explain to you what has happened and comfort you by asking you to stop worrying as it is not a serious problem. Doctor may also advise you to avoid constipation and straining during bowel movements. Follow the advice.
2. Drink More Water
The objective is simple. You don't want constipation. One of the biggest causes of various health related problems including constipation are due to drinking less water. Drinking more water is the most important daily routine you must follow. 8-10 glasses of water a day will not only keep you sufficiently hydrated but help you to stop constipation.
3. Eat Fiber Rich Food
Since constipation and straining are two main cause for delay in healing of anal fissure, it is important that both are kept under control. Drinking enough water will help reduce constipation, whereas eating fiber rich food will help you reduce straining during a bowel movement. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits, whole grain breads and wheat bran. They are all rich in fiber. Fiber helps soften the stool and reduces the need to strain.
Soluble fibers such as oats are very useful in healing fissures. Eat oatmeal in your breakfast.
4. Avoid Laxatives and Stool Softeners
This may sound counter intuitive, but don't consume any commercially available laxative or stool softeners, as their overuse of laxatives can be one of the causes of anal fissures.
5. Avoid Spicy Food
While you eat right kind of fiber rich food, you also need to avoid certain foods that can increase pain. Understand which foods to avoid. Spicy foods and coffee are irritants. They can induce pain, therefore they should be completely avoided.
6. Avoid Stress
Be cheerful and happy. Avoid all emotional stress. We all know that these things are easier said than done but trying helps
7. Apply Petroleum Jelly
Apply petroleum jelly to reduce the pain.
While all the above recommendations are both preventative and curative, you can do a lot more to reduce pain and heal fast.