Can diarrhea cause anal fissures?

Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Diarrhea may cause anal fissures. An anal fissure refers to a full-thickness vertical tear in the skin of the anal canal below the dentate line, forming an ischemic ulcer. It is commonly found in young and middle-aged adults, and the exact mechanism of its development is not very clear. It is mainly related to local muscle spasms and infection following injury. The main symptoms include severe, sharp pain during and after bowel movements, along with occasional light, bright red bleeding. There may also be constipation and anal discharge. If the skin of the anal canal is chronically irritated by prolonged diarrhea, causing skin damage, it is very likely to lead to an anal fissure.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What should be paid attention to for anal fissures usually?

Patients with anal fissures primarily develop the condition due to a history of dry stools or straining during early bowel movements. Therefore, it is important for patients to ensure smooth bowel movements and avoid excessive dryness of stools. Diet adjustments should include consuming more bland vegetables and fruits, and avoiding spicy foods such as chili peppers, seafood, and mutton, which are irritants. Additionally, ensuring adequate daily water intake is crucial to prevent dryness in the intestinal feces. Besides dietary and bowel adjustments, patients with anal fissures should actively seek medical treatment during acute episodes to prevent the recurrence of early fissures and the formation of chronic fissures. Early-stage fissures may be treated with topical medications to alleviate symptoms, while chronic fissures may require surgical intervention. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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How to treat hemorrhoids, bloody stool, and anal fissures?

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are two different conditions. Generally, the early treatment for anal fissures is similar to that for early hemorrhoids, which is conservative treatment. This includes ensuring smooth bowel movements, preventing constipation, avoiding dry stools, preventing prolonged bowel movements, and avoiding sitting still for long periods. If the amount of bleeding is small, conservative treatment as mentioned above, along with the application of local medication around the anus, can control the symptoms. Regularly consume vegetables and dietary fiber. If there is severe bleeding from hemorrhoids or severe pain due to a large fissure in anal fissures, relevant examinations should be conducted. After ruling out other conditions, surgery may be necessary.

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Written by Hu Xiang Dang
Colorectal Surgery Department
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What should be paid attention to usually for anal fissures?

What should I pay attention to for anal fissures? Friends who suffer from anal fissures should note the following: Firstly, pay attention to your diet. Adjust your diet structurally to be diverse. Drink plenty of water and eat less spicy and stimulating food; abstain from alcohol and betel nuts; eat less spicy hot pot and similar foods. Also, maintain a smooth bowel movement. We should develop a habit of defecating regularly, and treat constipation correctly. However, in treating constipation, we should not misuse laxatives and should use medications under the proper guidance of a doctor. We should also pay attention to keeping the anal area clean and hygienic by washing it after each bowel movement. After defecation, it is best to perform sitz baths using salt water, traditional Chinese medicine pain relievers like Shen Tang, or potassium permanganate solution. This helps in the recovery of the anal fissure. In addition to the above, we should also engage in appropriate activities. Friends with anal fissures can perform anal muscle contractions, such as Kegel exercises or stretching exercises.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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What should I do about rectal bleeding from an anal fissure?

Firstly, if rectal bleeding occurs before a doctor's diagnosis, it is imperative to seek medical attention promptly to rule out other conditions. The cause of the bleeding could be from a site above the anus or other diseases related to the anus, and it might not necessarily be an anal fissure. If diagnosed with an anal fissure, treatment generally involves the local application of ointment. It is important to avoid conditions in daily life that could lead to constipation or diarrhea, as these can irritate the mucous membrane of the anus and exacerbate the symptoms of an anal fissure. Dietarily, it is beneficial to eat more vegetables, fruits, and foods high in rough fiber to ensure that stools are well-formed. If anal fissures recur, do not avoid seeking medical help, as this could lead to the formation of scars and contractions around the anus, causing anal stenosis, at which point surgery would be necessary.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Anal fissure bleeding symptoms

The most common clinical symptoms of anal fissure, apart from the intense tearing pain in the anal area, include bleeding during bowel movements. The bleeding from anal fissures is typically bright red, and the amount of blood can increase with the severity of the condition due to repeated stretching of the fissure. Particularly during acute episodes of anal fissures or after defecation, bleeding from the local fissure can be more significant. Patients with bleeding anal fissures generally have a history of dry stools, so the first step in treating anal fissure bleeding is to lubricate the stool. Additionally, topical medications should be applied to the bleeding fissure to promote healing, and hemorrhoid creams with hemostatic properties can be used locally to help stop the bleeding. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)