Anal Fissure in Tulsa, OK
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Find a ProviderWhat is an anal fissure?
Anal fissures are a small tear, or cut, in the tissue that lines the anus. The thin, easily damaged tissue, called mucosa, serves as the lining of the anus. The mucosa can tear for a number of reasons, like passing large stools during a bowel movement. Most commonly, anal fissures create pain with bowel movements and present with blood in one's stool. An anal fissure could also lead to contractions in the muscle found at the end of the anus, called the anal sphincter.
An anal fissure is considered a chronic condition if you have had the fissure for 6 – 8 weeks, or if it is a recurring issue. Our providers often treat anal fissures in Tulsa, OK. If you think you could be suffering from anal fissures, contact your nearest Adult Gastroenterology Associates location and request a consultation with a GI specialist.
What causes an anal fissure?
There are a number of factors that can cause an anal fissure. These factors could include:
- Passing large and/or hard stools
- Anal sex
- Constant diarrhea
- Excessive pressure during bowel movements
- Difficulty passing stool
- Childbirth
There are also factors that can increase your risk of anal fissures. Some of the risk factors can also cause anal fissures. These risk factors could include:
- Age (anal fissures occur with greater frequency in infants and middle-aged adults)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Anal sex
- HIV and STDs
- Childbirth
- Difficulty passing stools
What are the symptoms of an anal fissure?
Symptoms can vary from person to person. The usual symptoms of anal fissures can include:
- A visible crack or tear in the tissue surrounding the anus
- Uncomfortable bowel movements
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Lasting pain following a bowel movement
Always contact a specialist if you notice blood in your stool. There are treatments available for those suffering from anal fissures in Tulsa, OK. If you are having more than one of the symptoms listed above, or if any of these symptoms increase in severity, we urge you to reach out to an Adult Gastroenterology Associates location near you to see a GI specialist.
What are the possible complications of an anal fissure?
Anal fissures can be excessively irritating but do not usually lead to more concerning conditions. Fissures are common in adults. A few common complications that can occur include:
- Recurrence of the fissure
- Lack of healing
- Tear in the surrounding muscles
We recommend consulting GI provider at your nearest Adult Gastroenterology Associates location to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
What are the treatments for anal fissures?
An anal fissure will often heal of its own in a few weeks. To heal and prevent any future anal fissures, your GI provider could recommend that you:
- Try not to become constipated
- Eat a healthy diet that is high in fiber
- Drink plenty of water
Alternate treatment options could include:
- Surgical intervention (less common)
- Blood pressure medication to relax the anal sphincter
- BOTOX® injections for relief from muscle spasms
- Topical creams and ointments to increase blood flow to the fissure, as well as for relief of pain
Always consult with your GI specialist to find the right treatment options for you. Our providers are dedicated to ensuring that you are given the personalized care and relief you deserve.
Find relief for your anal fissure
An anal fissure can be painful. If you or a family member are seeking treatment for anal fissures in Tulsa, OK, help is available. For assistance, contact your nearest Adult Gastroenterology Associates location to connect with a gastroenterology specialist that can help you get the relief you seek. Request a consultation today to begin the process.
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