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 He Cai Dong
Colorectal Surgery Department
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What is the best treatment for anal fissure polyps?

In medical terms, an anal tag is known as a sentinel pile, which is simply a common external hemorrhoid. It results from prolonged non-healing anal fissures and repeated local inflammatory irritation, leading to tissue hyperplasia. The only way to remove the anal tag is through surgical removal, as medications alone cannot cure it. It is advisable to maintain a light diet, drink plenty of water, and consume lots of vegetables and fruits to keep bowel movements regular and soft, which can help reduce the occurrence of anal fissures. During flare-ups, one should avoid consuming beef, lamb, seafood, and other potentially irritating foods, and avoid prolonged sitting or standing. If stools are dry, products such as hemp seed pills, lactulose oral solution, and polyethylene glycol 4000 can be used to effectively soften the stools and alleviate symptoms of anal fissures. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Characteristics of anal fissure with bleeding

An anal fissure is a small ulcer formed by the full-thickness splitting of the skin of the anal canal below the dentate line. A characteristic of bleeding due to an anal fissure is that it generally occurs along with periodic, tearing-like pain. Thus, bleeding and pain are the main clinical manifestations of an anal fissure. During defecation, the damaged surface can lead to bleeding from the fissure, usually with a small amount of blood. The stool may have streaks of blood, or there might be a few drops of fresh blood after defecation, or a slight smearing of fresh blood on toilet paper during wiping.

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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 Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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What should I do if I have anal fissure bleeding?

The main symptoms of patients with anal fissures are bleeding and pain. Extended periods of bleeding can first lead to local infections and secondly to systemic anemia, thus immediate and timely treatment is necessary. Firstly, maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial; this includes daily cleaning of the anal area and using hot sitz baths to help improve venous circulation. Secondly, it's important to drink plenty of water, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, avoid spicy foods, and ensure regular bowel movements. In this situation, topical medications can be used. Treatment with suppositories that invigorate the blood and reduce stagnation can have a local anti-inflammatory effect. If medication does not sufficiently resolve the issue, surgical treatment options such as internal anal sphincterotomy or anal fissurectomy can be considered, which can provide a complete cure.

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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.