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 Li Xiao Jie
Internal Medicine
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What should not be eaten with anal fissure?

Patients with anal fissures should be cautious with their diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods to prevent exacerbation. They should also consume foods rich in roughage, such as cornmeal, sweet potatoes, celery, leeks, and cabbage, which can facilitate bowel movements and prevent the aggravation of anal fissures due to dry stools. Additionally, alcohol should be avoided as it may dilate blood vessels and lead to increased bleeding. It is essential for patients with anal fissures to maintain smooth bowel movements and avoid sitting or squatting for extended periods.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How to examine anal fissures in women

If a woman suspects symptoms of an anal fissure, it is recommended to directly perform a digital rectal examination rather than an anoscopy, to avoid worsening the condition by potentially tearing local fissures with the anoscope. Typically, an anal fissure presents with severe local pain in the anus, bleeding during bowel movements, and accompanying hard stools. Therefore, the initial treatment should focus on softening the stool, for which one can take oral hemp seed oil capsules to facilitate bowel movements. Additionally, applying Recovery New liquid as a hot compress on the local fissures can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. If there is anal constriction, anal dilation therapy might be chosen, or treatment may involve a lateral internal sphincterotomy. (Please use the above medications under the guidance of a physician, and do not use them indiscriminately on your own.)

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Can you have intercourse during an anal fissure?

During an anal fissure, it is possible to have sexual intercourse without any impact on the fissure itself. For patients with an anal fissure, the main focus should be on maintaining smooth bowel movements and avoiding dry and hard stools to prevent irritating the wound, which can cause pain and bleeding. It is also important to avoid diarrhea, as frequent bowel movements can irritate the wound over time and worsen the fissure. Clinically, for early-stage anal fissures, conservative treatment with medications is often recommended, along with softening the stool. Commonly used medications include Dragon Balm ointment or nitroglycerin ointment. After defecation, patients can opt to use an anal wash or a potassium permanganate solution for sitz baths. However, for chronic anal fissures, it is generally advised to undergo fissure excision surgery as soon as possible, followed by regular dressing changes to promote healing of the wound. If an anal fissure is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to slight narrowing of the anal canal, which requires significant attention.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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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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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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Are anal fissures and hemorrhoids the same thing?

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common clinical conditions, but their symptoms are completely different. Generally, they both share a common symptom, which is the presence of rectal bleeding, and this bleeding is usually bright red blood. The difference between anal fissures and hemorrhoids is that anal fissures primarily cause pain, while hemorrhoids primarily cause bleeding. Hemorrhoids only cause severe pain when external hemorrhoids become inflamed and swollen, while anal fissures often involve enlargement of the anal papillae. Hemorrhoids do not involve enlargement of the anal papillae, and while anal fissures can involve skin tears around the anal canal, hemorrhoids do not. During a digital rectal exam, this can be diagnosed; hemorrhoids are caused by poor local venous circulation, leading to venous congestion and the formation of vascular bulges. Depending on their location, they are divided into internal and external hemorrhoids. Anal fissures are skin tears located on the more lateral parts of the anus, and during defecation, the tear worsens, bleeding and causing severe pain, whereas hemorrhoids usually do not cause severe pain.