What should I do about rectal bleeding from an anal fissure?

Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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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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What should I do if my anal fissure doesn't heal?

If an anal fissure consistently fails to heal proactively, it may be due to the repeated expansion of the fissure, or recurrent instances of dry stools and bleeding, leading to ulcerative, infectious changes at the local fissure. This can progress into a chronic anal fissure. Chronic anal fissures have larger local wound surfaces, and the patient may also experience excessive tightness in the anal canal. The local fissure, wrapped within the tightened anal canal, does not drain well, making self-healing impossible. To treat chronic anal fissures, or recurrent fissures, it is recommended to perform a lateral internal sphincterotomy and further debride the local fissure to ensure complete healing of the anal fissure.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
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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 Li Xiao Jie
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Do anal fissures need treatment?

Anal fissures require treatment. If the patient has a very mild case, there is a possibility of self-healing, though this is not very likely. For initial cases, where the fissure is small, one could consider treatment methods such as Chinese herbal fumigation, topical medications, or potassium permanganate sitz baths, all of which can achieve therapeutic effects. If the patient suffers from recurrent long-term episodes, and the fissure is deep, surgical treatment may need to be considered. This condition falls under the category of proctologic diseases. Patients can visit the proctology department where a doctor will examine them and choose an appropriate surgical method. Complete recovery is possible, so there is no need to worry. To prevent this condition, it is important to maintain smooth bowel movements, ensure cleanliness in the affected area, and avoid infections.

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Written by Deng Heng
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What foods should be avoided with anal fissures?

People with anal fissures should avoid consuming chili peppers and alcohol. Chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which can strongly irritate the nerves in the gastrointestinal tract and the ulcers of anal fissures, causing severe pain in the affected area. Additionally, capsaicin can dilate the mucosal blood vessels, leading to bleeding in the anal fissures. Alcohol has a similar effect, as it can exacerbate congestion and blood stasis in the anal and rectal areas. In most cases, consuming chili peppers and alcohol can intensify the pain.

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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.