An anal fissure is a wound in the form of a crack at the rectum opening. You notice the crack because it hurts or it gets blood when you poop. The crack usually heals within a couple of weeks. An analgesic ointment can relieve.
Both adults and children can get cracks in the rectum.
Symptoms of a crack in the rectum
It is common to have the following symptoms of a crack in the rectum:
- It hurts a lot to poop and sometimes even a long time afterward.
- Blood comes when you poop.
Many people avoid puking because it hurts. It can cause you or the child to get constipated.
You may also have blood in the poop for other reasons. Blood in the pox should always be examined by a doctor.
When and where should I seek care?
Contact a health care center if any of the following is true of you:
- You have had pain around the rectum for a few weeks.
- You have blood in the poop and don’t know what it might be.
You can contact many receptions by logging in.
Call telephone number helpline for medical advice. Then you get help in assessing your symptoms and advice on what you can do yourself.
What is it?
A crack in the rectum opening is usually caused by constipation. Read more about constipation in adults here and about constipation in children here.
The crack may also be due to any of the following:
- Rupture associated with vaginal delivery.
- Disease, for example, inflammatory bowel disease Crohn’s disease.
- Anal sex or that something has been inserted with violence in the rectum, for example in connection with sexual abuse.
The crack causes you much pain when you poop, and the pain causes the rectum’s end muscle to cramp. The cramp causes poor circulation in the mucous membrane, and the wound becomes difficult to heal.
There may be inflammation around the wound. Then a small skin flap can be formed on the outside of the rectum opening.
What can I do for myself?
The crack usually heals within six weeks. You can do some yourself to make it less painful.
A hot bath can soothe
It can be nice to take a hot bath. The warm water helps the end muscle in the rectum to relax.
Avoid washing too often with soap around the rectum.
Avoid constipation
It is good if the poo is kept soft. Then it becomes easier to poop and it can go faster for the crack to heal. Here are some tips that can help if you have constipation:
- Eat high fiber and soluble foods.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Be physically active.
- Use drugs that soften the poo.
Ointments can relieve
There are different types of analgesic ointments that you can use. You then lubricate before and after pooping. There are also suppositories that you insert into the rectum. They also relieve the pain.
You can use ointments for hemorrhoids. Some ointments contain substances that dampen inflammation, they can help if the crack is inflamed. Read more about the ointments in the text on hemorrhoids.
You can buy ointments and suppositories free of charge at a pharmacy.
Investigations
When you come to the doctor you will be told about your symptoms of a crack in the rectum. Then the doctor examines the rectum opening. The doctor first lubricates the anesthetic ointment.
You can get a referral to a surgery specialist if the fracture has not healed or you have very severe problems.
Treatment of crack in the rectum
You may need more treatment if you have a lot of trouble or if the crack does not heal. For example, you can get prescriptions for ointments and other medicines that relax the muscles of the rectum.
An injection of botox can also help, especially if the crack is difficult to heal. Botox causes the end muscle of the rectum to relax.
It is unusual, but sometimes a crack is needed.
Influence and participate in your care
In order for you to be involved in your care and treatment, it is important that you understand the information you receive from the healthcare personnel. Ask questions if you don’t understand.
You have the opportunity to get help from an interpreter. You also have the opportunity to get help from an interpreter if you have a hearing loss