Because today is National Poo Day, Proctos Clinic It is important to bring this ‘disorder’ to light. The clinic specializes in disorders of the anus and rectum and treats about 1,400 patients per month. Of about 6 in 10 people who come forward, 30 to 40 percent are found to have an anal fissure.
What is an anal fissure?
“They come in and say they have hemorrhoids,” says surgeon Charlotte Molenaar. “But this is certainly not the case with half of the patients. Often there is a fissure. That is a tear or wound in the anus in a sensitive place. There sometimes grows wild meat and that is why people mistake it for hemorrhoids. Even doctors.”
Anal fissure symptoms
When you have an anal fissure, you often suffer from the following complaints:
- A sharp pain during or after a bowel movement, often a feeling of ‘the skin tearing open’ is described.
- Usually with an anal fissure there is also some blood loss.
- In rare cases, an anal fissure can develop an inflammation where pus comes out.
The sooner discovered, the better
Because doctors also regularly mistake an anal fissure for hemorrhoids, people receive the wrong treatment and that can have dire consequences. “The sooner you treat this, the faster you get rid of the complaints. But because it is too often thought to be hemorrhoids, that takes too long and the problems only get worse.”
Therapy
If an anal fissure has just developed, it is quite easy to treat. By providing soft stools and pain relief, you can get rid of your complaints in no time. Fiber-rich food is often advised, more exercise, different toileting behavior and a healthier sitting position. People are also often prescribed painkillers and an ointment to be inserted internally. This ensures relaxation of the sphincter muscle, which also improves the blood circulation in the skin. Surgery is only required if the symptoms do not subside. “But if we get there in time, it won’t be necessary,” Molenaar reassures.
To prevent an anal fissure, it is also important to keep your gut healthy. You can do that with the help of these tips:
Source: Max Today