Dealing with Constipation and Anal Fissures! What is the Relation?

Anal fissure can be caused by chronic diarrhea, child birth, inflammation of the anorectal area, and a variety of conditions, but the most common cause is constipation and passing of large, compacted, and hardened stools.

Constipation and anal fissures! What is the relation between these two conditions that not too many people are willing to discuss openly?

Constipation is generally defined as having three or fewer bowel movements in a week. It can also refer to passing stools that are hard, dry, and small, the inability to empty the bowel completely, and straining during defecation. Constipation is often accompanied by bleeding due to hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

When the colon absorbs too much liquid, and the stools pass through the colon sluggishly, the stools harden. Hard or large stool passed during constipation can cause lacerations and tears in the lining of the anus. Chronic constipation or a single incidence of extreme constipation is the most common cause of anal fissures.

Constipation can affect all people, but women, the elderly, and babies are more prone to the condition and to anal fissure. In pregnant women, constipation is common due to the increase in progesterone which relaxes the digestive tract and slows down the passing of food through the intestines. Iron supplements can make constipation worse. In babies, constipation can be caused by several reasons including milk protein allergy, inadequate liquid intake, and introduction of solid food. In the elderly, constipation can be caused by sluggish metabolism and inadequate fiber and liquid in the diet.

Constipation and anal fissures! What is the relation between treating constipation and healing anal fissures?

Treating and eliminating constipation with the use of home remedies are often enough to relieve and heal painful cracks.

Most cases of constipation respond well to conservative treatment that involves changes in the diet, physical activities, habits, and the use of mild laxatives.

Dietary changes typically involve consuming more fiber to add bulk in the diet and drinking adequate amount of water daily.

If you are leading a sedentary lifestyle, exercises or physical activities may be introduced to maximize blood circulation.

Suppressing the urge to defecate can also cause stool hardening and should be avoided by relieving yourself as soon as you feel the urge to do so.

For children and adults, the doctor may recommend a suitable, over-the-counter laxative for short-term use during bouts with constipation.

Fecal impaction, a more serious form of constipation, is often referred to a doctor who will manually break up the hardened stool by inserting a gloved finger. A warm water or mineral oil enema may also offer relief.

Once the constipation is treated, the anal fissures are likely to heal within one or two weeks. You can accelerate healing by using ointments, calcium carbonate, nitroglycerin creams, and warm baths.

Preventing constipation and anal fissure is simple enough. A combination of getting adequate fiber in your diet by eating vegetables, grains, and fruits, exercising regularly, and drinking six to eight glasses of water daily will help maintain efficient bowel function and help you avoid constipation and anal fissure!