What is the difference between anal fissures and hemorrhoids?
Disease description:
I have recently noticed blood in my stool, and sometimes I also experience anal pain, but I'm not sure whether it's an anal fissure or hemorrhoids. What is the difference between anal fissures and hemorrhoids? Which of these two conditions is more serious? What measures should I take to relieve the symptoms?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Anal fissures and hemorrhoids are two common anorectal diseases; their symptoms are somewhat similar, but their causes differ.
An anal fissure is a small ulcer formed by a tear in the skin around the anus. The main symptoms include severe pain during bowel movements, pain that persists for some time after defecation, and a small amount of bright red blood dripping out or adhering to the surface of the stool. Hemorrhoids are lesions caused by dilation, inflammation, or bleeding of the venous plexus around the anus. Common symptoms include rectal bleeding, anal discomfort, itching, and the presence of a lump during bowel movements.
Whether it is an anal fissure or hemorrhoids, once symptoms appear, timely medical examination and professional treatment are necessary. In daily life, one should also increase dietary fiber intake, drink more water, maintain smooth bowel movements, and avoid prolonged sitting and straining during defecation.
