Anal Fissure in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is an anal fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the tissue that lines one's anus. The thin, easily damaged tissue, referred to as mucosa, that serves as the lining of the anus can tear for a number of reasons, including the passing of large stools during a bowel movement. Most commonly, anal fissures cause discomfort during bowel movements and lead to the appearance of blood in your stool. Anal fissures might also be followed by spasms in the muscle at the end of the anus, referred to as the anal sphincter.
Anal fissures are categorized as a chronic condition if the fissure has been present for 6 – 8 weeks or if it is a recurring issue. If you think you could have anal fissures, connect with Denver Digestive Health Specialists to request a consultation with a GI specialist. Our providers routinely provide individualized treatment for anal fissures in Denver, CO patients.
What are the causes of an anal fissure?
There are many typical factors that may cause anal fissures. Causes could include a number of individual situations. These might include but are not limited to:
- Anal sex
- Constipation
- Persistent diarrhea
- Passing large and/or hard stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Childbirth
When it comes to anal fissures, there are also a few factors that could elevate a person's risk. A few are also causes of anal fissures. Such risk factors might include:
- Difficulty passing stool
- The childbirth process
- Anal intercourse
- STDs and HIV
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Age (anal fissures occur in higher numbers in infants and middle-aged adults)
What are common symptoms of an anal fissure?
Common symptoms and signs of anal fissures include but are not limited to:
- A visible crack or tear in the tissue around the anus
- Painful bowel movements
- Lasting discomfort following a bowel movement
- Bright red blood in the stool
It may not seem like a big deal, but you should contact a Denver Digestive Health Specialists GI physician if you experience any combination of the aforementioned symptoms or if any one of these symptoms increases in severity. You should always contact a provider about blood in your stool.
What are the possible complications of an anal fissure?
Anal fissures may be very irritating but they do not usually lead to subsequential severe conditions. Fissures are very common in adults. A few typical complications that come with having an anal fissure may include:
- Tears in the surrounding muscles
- Failure to heal
- Fissure recurrence
We urge you to talk with a GI physician at Denver Digestive Health Specialists about any concerns you might have regarding complications from your anal fissure.
What are the treatments for anal fissures?
An anal fissure will typically heal on its own within a few weeks. To allow for the healing of anal fissures, and in an effort to prevent them from returning, your gastroenterology provider could suggest that you:
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid foods or situations that lead to constipation
- Eat a healthy diet high in fiber
Other treatment options can include:
- Blood pressure medication to relax the anal sphincter
- BOTOX® injections for the relaxation of muscles/spasms
- Surgery (less common)
- Topical ointments and creams to encourage the flow of blood to the fissure, and for pain relief
Your GI specialist will explain the treatment options they feel would be best suited for you and work with you to create a treatment plan for your anal fissure as needed.
You deserve relief
An anal fissure can be challenging to deal with. If you are seeking treatment for an anal fissure in Denver, CO, help is available. For assistance, call Denver Digestive Health Specialists to get connected with a GI provider who can help you obtain the relief you require to have regular bowel movements. Request a consultation at your earliest convenience to begin the process.
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Dr. Siegel is absolutely the best he makes you feel very comfortable in sometimes an uncomfortable situation🙄. He will always be my go to doc!…. Thanks for your compassion Dr Siegel👍🏼
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