Anal Fissure Overview
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the lining of the anal canal, the final part of the digestive tract. Though tiny, this tear can cause sharp pain, burning, and bleeding during bowel movements. Anal fissures are a common condition and can affect people of any age, including infants, children, and adults.
Misdiagnosed From Symptoms
In South Africa, as globally, anal fissures are frequently misdiagnosed as haemorrhoids. While the symptoms may overlap, fissures require a different approach to treatment. They often heal on their own, but chronic fissures — those lasting longer than six weeks — may need medical or surgical intervention.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp, stabbing pain during or after a bowel movement
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet
- Itching or irritation around the anus
- A visible crack or split in the skin
- Muscle spasms in the anal region
While fissures can be uncomfortable, they are usually not dangerous. However, if left untreated, they may become chronic or infected, especially if associated with constipation or underlying bowel disorders.
In the next section, we’ll explore what causes anal fissures and the risk factors that contribute to them.
👉 [Next: Causes and Risk Factors of Anal Fissure]
