What are the Causes of Anal Fissures
- Severe or chronic constipation
- When there is straining involved during bowel movement. This happens when the stool is large and dry, which makes it difficult to remove.
- Chronic diarrhea or having loose bowel movements for some time.
- Stretching of the anus due to anal sex or accidents.
- Foreign objects that are inserted in the anus can cause anal fissures.
- Patients who normally have poor bowel movements like those that cannot remove stool in a daily basis have greater risks in having anal fissures.
- Very tight sphincter muscles. These are the muscles in the anal area that controls how it closes.
- Scars in the anorectal area.
- Certain medical conditions like Crohn’s Disease and colitis can cause anal fissures. Anal cancer, leukemia, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases are major contributors too.
- When there is a decrease in the flow of blood in the anus and the rectum area, there is a strong possibility of developing anal fissures.
- Child birth can also cause these fissures. In fact, most women have anal fissures after giving birth.
It should be taken into account that the causes of anal fissures differs by age. This means that the older a patient gets, the more prone he or she is to having these fissures. Also, this condition can be experienced by patients more than once.
Anal Fissures Natural Treatment
The basic goal in the treatment of anal fissures is by making the stools soft. Easing discomfort and stopping the bleeding are also concerns that can be addressed by natural treatment. Most often, natural treatments can heal anal fissures.
- Drinking plenty of liquids like water and juices. Those liquids that are rich in caffeine should be avoided.
- There should be an increase in the intake of foods that are rich in fiber. Fruits and vegetables are good examples of these foods.
- Patients can soak in warm water or take sitz bath. This is for around 10 to 20 minutes and should be done several times in one day. Doing this can help relax the muscles in the anal area.
- Patients with anal fissures should clean the anal area in a more gentle way.
- Straining in the toilet and prolonged sitting should be avoided.
- The anorectal area can be lubricated with the use of petroleum jelly.
- Wheat germ oil can also be applied. This promotes faster healing.
- An aloe compress can be placed on the affected area. This helps with the pain and the healing process.
- Always keep the anal area dry by wiping it with soft toilet paper or cloth.
The healing time for anal fissures when used with natural treatment may take weeks. When the fissures still persists over a long period of time, it is best for patients to consult a doctor.