What causes anal fissures?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been experiencing anal pain during bowel movements, and sometimes there is even bleeding. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with an anal fissure. What causes anal fissures?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Jingxiang
An anal fissure refers to a small ulcer formed by a longitudinal split through the full thickness of the anal canal skin. The development of anal fissures is associated with multiple factors, including constipation, diarrhea, excessive straining during bowel movements, anal sphincter muscle tension, increased internal anal pressure, and infections in the anal region.
Long-term constipation or hard, dry stools are among the main causes of anal fissures. Dry and hard stools can injure the anal skin and mucosa during defecation, leading to small ulcerations that may progressively develop into anal fissures. In addition, diarrhea can also cause anal fissures, as frequent bowel movements may lead to mucosal friction and subsequent tearing. Poor anal hygiene, pruritus ani, anal fistulas, or other infectious diseases can increase the fragility of the anal mucosa, potentially causing anal fissures even in the absence of constipation.
Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention and receive treatment under a physician's guidance. Additionally, patients should increase their dietary fiber intake and drink plenty of water to maintain adequate hydration, thereby softening stools and reducing the occurrence of constipation.
