Constipation and hemorrhoids are common — and uncomfortable. Medical treatments can help, but in many cases, increasing your fiber intake is a natural way to improve your symptoms. Here’s how fiber supports a healthy gut.
They may not get as much attention of hemorrhoids, but in the United States, anal fissures are common, affecting nearly a quarter million people every year. The key to healing an anal fissure is to get treatment as early as possible — and that starts with learning what signs to watch for.
At his practice in White Plains, New York, (or in south Florida after September 2021) Michael Tarlowe, MD, treats anal fissures using a customized approach, helping relieve current symptoms and even prevent future fissures from happening.
Here’s what you should know about identifying and treating an anal fissure.
Fissure is another word for cut or tear. With an anal fissure, that cut is in the tissue that lines your anus. Wile traumatic injury can cause a fissure in some people, more often an anal fissure is due to:
Most anal fissures resolve within 4-6 weeks when treated with conservative options, including:
Sometimes, though, anal fissures last longer and cause more severe symptoms. In those instances, Dr. Tarlowe might recommend Botox® injections or a simple surgical procedure to relax or release an overly tight sphincter muscle, giving the area time to heal.
If you have an anal fissure, it’s important to track your symptoms so you can get treatment to help it go away. To do that, you need to recognize the signs of an anal fissure.
One of the most common symptoms is anal pain during and after bowel movements. Sometimes, this pain can last for a few hours after having a bowel movement.
Other signs and symptoms include:
The symptoms of an anal fissure are comparable to those you’d experience with a symptomatic hemorrhoid. Many people wind up confusing the symptoms, delaying treatment, and causing their fissure to persist or even get worse.
Likewise, sometimes bleeding during a bowel movement can be a sign of other, more serious medical problems. Scheduling an office visit with Dr. Tarlowe is the best way to make sure you’re getting the most appropriate care for your specific needs.
Anal fissures can clear up with a few simple lifestyle changes and a little TLC. But first, you need to be sure your symptoms are due to a fissure and not another medical issue.
If you’re having any of the symptoms of an anal fissure, don’t delay getting the care you need. Call the office or book an appointment online with Dr. Tarlowe today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Constipation and hemorrhoids are common — and uncomfortable. Medical treatments can help, but in many cases, increasing your fiber intake is a natural way to improve your symptoms. Here’s how fiber supports a healthy gut.
Hernias are common, affecting millions of Americans. Still, that doesn’t mean they can’t be serious. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to see the doctor for your hernia.
Most people know that getting plenty of fluid is important for overall health — but did you know staying hydrated can help with colon and anal health, too? It’s true. Here’s how hydration can help you avoid common — and often painful — problems.
Colonoscopy is the most accurate way to diagnose colon cancer in its earliest stages. While the procedure itself is straightforward, there are some things you’ll need to do ahead of time to prepare. Here’s what you need to know.
Hemorrhoids affect millions of Americans — but you don’t have to be one of them. These five tips can help you prevent hemorrhoids and the uncomfortable symptoms they cause.
Colon problems can wreak havoc on your digestion, your health, and your quality of life. The good news: Eating a healthy diet can help. Here are four easy ways to support colon health through smart food choices.