How is a fissure chronic?

An anal fissure is a common health problem which is caused by a small tear or split in the anal section. The most common cause of an anal fissure is passing through hard stool. This causes the rectum to stretch excessively, producing small yet painful tear in the anus. The pain may be felt continuously, yet most of the patients complain about excruciating pain during bowel movements, causing them to avoid it. However, avoiding bowel movements is not a good health practice, as it may lead to constipation and even hemorrhoids. To heal an anal fissure, home remedies such as high-fiber diets, laxative, and hydration have a major role. The tear and split commonly heals within days or a few weeks, not more than a month. Hence, chronic anal fissure refers to those fissures which won’t heal properly after 4 to 6 weeks of proper medication.

Causes of chronic fissure

Although painful, an anal fissure should heals properly within weeks without any complications. Afterwards, the patient will be able to have bowel movements without any pains and discomforts. However, some cases of anal fissures develop into the more severe stage of chronic fissure—the condition where an anal fissure won’t heal after months. Some risk factors of this include:

• Reduced blood flow to the lining of the anus, which may be caused by the spasms of the ring muscle which goes around the anus, which cuts off blood supply to the anus canal, inhibiting the healing process.
• Infection of the tore anal canal with bacteria from the feces.

Symptoms of chronic fissure

Chronic fissure might include some signs and symptoms which are heavier than a usual anal fissure that heals within 4 weeks, which include:

• Excruciating pains after bowel movements.
• Bleeding.
• Harden anal ring.
• Spasms of anal ring.
• Burning or itching sensation around the anus.

Healing a chronic fissure naturally

Chronic fissure involves hardened anal ring and spasms in the area. Thus, the pain it causes might be unbearable. Some patients commonly decide to have it operated, while in fact, there are some home remedies which may relieve the pain and heal the wound. These home remedies are natural and therefore, have less side effects than surgeries.

• Sitz Baths

Sitz baths is beneficial in healing chronic fissure, as this reduces the pain, inflammation, and itching caused by hardening anal ring. To perform the method:

• Fill a large basin or tub with warm water.
• Add Epsom salt into the water.
• Sit in until the water cools down—about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Repeat this after any toilet time until the fissure subsides.

• Massaging

Massaging can be used in healing chronic fissure as it helps promoting sufficient blood supply to the affected area. However, this needs to be done gently to prevent bleeding, and using clean hands to reduce the risk of infection.

• Take a fingertip of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment.
• Apply it onto the anal sphincter and continue to massage in gentle circular motions, pressing, pushing, and vibrating techniques.
• Repeat the treatment after bath or before night sleep.

• High-fiber diets

This is the most important method to heal acute to chronic fissure, since a good diet inhibits constipation.

• Replace white rice or pasta with brown rice, which has a higher level of fiber.
• Add fruits and vegetables to your daily meals. Consume both an hour prior to the meals to get its maximum benefits.
• Replace your snacks with raw nuts, which are not only low in cholesterol but also high in fiber.

• Sufficient fluids

Keeping your body hydrated is essential for promoting proper digestion, so that digestion can be avoided. If you are suffering from chronic fissures which causes stinging pain and discomfort, drinking sufficient water is essential. This will help the intestines in digesting solid foods you consume. Sufficient fluids inside the body will prevent the intestines from forming hard, dry stool, so that it will not make the fissure worse. Drink 8 glasses of water or more every day, yet avoid sugary fluids which may promote constipation.