A crack in the anus is a defect in the large intestine, namely the rectum, which is a mucous gap that is insignificant in size in the region of the anus.

It is considered a shameful and delicate problem because of its location. At the same time, this is a fairly common disease, one of the three leaders in proctology. Both adults and children are exposed to it.

Crack in the anus: causes

Despite the fact that the disease is characteristic of people of any age and gender, there are predisposing factors for its occurrence.

These include:

  • frequent constipation or diarrhea (often constipation);
  • diseases, mainly the large intestine (colitis, proctitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids);
  • improper nutrition (an abundance of spicy, salty and smoked foods);
  • alcohol consumption;
  • physical inactivity;
  • restriction of physical activity;
  • fascination with anal sex.

The direct reasons for the development of this defect are:

  • childbirth (natural childbirth can create excessive stress in the rectal region);
  • mechanical injuries occurring during anal sex, passage of solid feces during bowel movements, use of hard toilet paper, as well as inaccurate instrumental examination;
  • chronic constipation also creates excessive tension on the anus;
  • physical exercise;
  • vascular diseases (hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis, etc.);
  • inadequate hygiene;
  • inflammation of the intestinal mucosa.

Symptoms and signs of cracking

There is a major triad of symptoms:

  • pain in the anus;
  • rectal bleeding (blood in the stool);
  • spasms of the sphincter.

Anal fissures also tend to irritate the anus - this is a consequence of infection of the fissure.

Acute and chronic forms of anal fissure are distinguished.

The acute form is characterized by:

  • intense pain during bowel movements, passes after 15-20 minutes, has a pulsating character;
  • sphincter spasm aggravating soreness;
  • bleeding (bright red blood, drip or streaming);
  • during the examination - a painful inflamed area on one of the walls of the rectum.

The chronic form is characterized by:

  • unexpressed pain after an act of defecation (passes after 2-3 minutes), during straining or in violation of the diet;
  • blood on the surface of the stool;
  • pronounced compaction on one of the walls of the rectum;
  • edges of anal fissure raised;
  • replacement of the sphincter site with connective tissue scar;
  • cyclical symptoms.

Diagnosis, which doctor should I contact?

When the above symptoms appear, a person should immediately contact a proctologist. In some cases, the direction is prescribed by the therapist. A nutritionist and gastroenterologist can also help.

In order to diagnose a crack in the anus, it is often enough for a specialist to conduct a thorough survey and examination. During the examination, the patient is in a knee-elbow position, or in a gynecological chair, lying on his back. Sometimes, due to sphincter spasm, manipulations are performed under anesthesia.

In addition to inspection, laboratory tests are also carried out:

  • general blood analysis;
  • general analysis of feces.

Sometimes there is a need for instrumental examination.

It includes:

  • anoscopy
  • rectoscopy
  • irrigoscopy
  • Ultrasound

All these additional methods are carried out for differential diagnosis. The doctor needs to exclude other, more dangerous diseases, such as AIDS, Crohn's disease, cancer, syphilis, fistulas of the large intestine, etc.

How to treat an anal fissure?

There are several approaches to the treatment of the pathology under discussion, based on its severity. Treatment is conservative, folk and surgical. And although usually the treatment of an anal fissure without surgery is completely successful, we still consider all the options.

Drug treatment

  • Almost all cases of the acute form of the disease are treated with medication.
  • Conservative therapy is carried out independently at home. The duration of treatment is 2-8 weeks (depending on severity). Both tablets and other forms of drugs are used.
  • Laxatives are prescribed in tablet form (if the disease is caused by constipation), for example, Duphalac, and antispasmodics, for example, Drotaverin. The patient is also advised to take vitamins A and E, which improve the regeneration and condition of the skin.

Other forms of therapy are prescribed based on symptoms. These include:

  • Baths. In the acute form, it is advised to do them with a solution of potassium permanganate or another disinfecting solution.
  • Candles from cracks. They have a healing, analgesic or laxative effect. They are quite difficult to apply with severe pain.
  • Ointments. They have a healing or antispasmodic effect. Apply to the area around the anus.
  • Enema Assign a coursework.
  • Injection Blockades with an antispasmodic and analgesic effect are administered under the base of the crack.

Folk remedies

There are a large number of folk remedies that will help alleviate the condition of the patient with a crack in the anus. It is important that before their use the patient visits a doctor who will offer the main treatment option, since folk remedies can only be used as a supplement to it. Alternative medicine can help relieve pain, inflammation, or speed healing.

In order to cook microclysters at home, it is important to know the basic rules:

  • The temperature of the liquid should not be higher than 37 ° C.
  • The volume of future microclysters will be 30-50 ml.
  • Before administration, it is desirable that the intestines be empty.
  • The contents of microclysters should be in the intestines for at least an hour.

For treatment, the following microclysters are applicable:

  • Based on oils. Apply sunflower (to facilitate the process of defecation and soften feces), olive, linseed and sea buckthorn.
  • Based on decoctions of chamomile, St. John's wort and yarrow (have anti-inflammatory, wound healing effect).
  • With honey (has the same effect).

An ointment for cracks in the anus is prepared on the basis of the same decoctions (with chamomile, yarrow, St. John's wort), adding sunflower or olive oil. Ointments with propolis, spruce resin, empty flowers of pumpkins are also made. They will have the same effect.

Ointments are stored at home in the refrigerator. And if desired, they can be rolled into candles to be administered rectally.

For home baths, in addition to the already mentioned broths, you can use a solution of potassium permanganate, it has a disinfecting effect. The main thing is that the temperature of the bath water should not be exceeded above 40 degrees.

Operational method

Surgical treatment is prescribed for the chronic form of anal fissure. Or in acute, if drug treatment did not have the desired effect. During this manipulation, the edges of the fissure and the bottom of the ulcer are excised, removing all tissues that interfere with the natural healing of the wound.

The operation is performed both under general and local anesthesia. It does not imply specific preparation, and the postoperative period on average takes 7-10 days. Full recovery is possible a month after treatment.

Crack Diet

Before starting any treatment, the doctor will prescribe a change in diet. Because maintaining this predisposing factor will not help recovery.

Diet is selected individually, but there are general rules that apply to almost all patients.

  • Food should prevent constipation. The following breakfast will be helpful: cold juice and after 20 minutes. hot oatmeal, as well as a teaspoon of vegetable oil on an empty stomach.
  • The use of beets, bran bread and fruits helps to normalize the intestines.
  • The intake of at least 3 liters of fluid per day and the exclusion of food “dry” prevents the hardening of feces.

What is contraindicated with such a diet is alcohol, salty, spicy, fried, fatty foods.

Crack in the anus of a child - treatment

Cracks in a child is a common phenomenon. Usually this is an acute form that can go away on its own.

The predominance of small cracks leads to the first place in treatment the normalization of the child’s diet to eliminate constipation and diarrhea.

It is desirable to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy products. Need control over the amount of fluid consumed and for personal hygiene.

The first cases of such a problem in a child can provoke a fear of pain and, as a result, constipation. In such a situation, it is advisable to consult a psychologist. If the crack does not heal, you should show the child to a proctologist or surgeon.

How to cure after childbirth?

In general, treating a crack after birth is similar to treating young children. These are candles, laxatives, baths with a healing effect. If the edges of the crack have become keratinized, surgical intervention (devulsion, cryodestruction, sphincterotomy) is indicated.

Possible complications of anal fissures

The frequent consequences of an untreated acute form of the disease are:

  • paraproctitis;
  • fistula of the rectum;
  • rear pararectal abscess;
  • itching and inflammation of the damaged area.

In the chronic form, a process of prolonged spasm of the sphincter, its weakness, and also wound suppuration are possible.

Thus, an insignificant-looking disease can deliver a lot of unpleasant moments and serious complications.In addition, more similar diseases can hide behind similar symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to lead a healthy, mobile lifestyle, and with the first symptoms, do not be afraid to see a doctor.

Related:More from the author: