WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus. The
problem can happen to anyone, at any age, including infancy.
Most fissures heal within 4 to 6 weeks on their
own.
Causes
The fissures are usually caused
by very large or hard bowel movements.
Signs/Symptoms
The chief symptoms are pain and
bleeding during bowel movements. The pain may last for hours
afterwards, then go away until the next bowel movement. Because
of this pain, children may try to ""hold it in,'' rather than
go to the bathroom. You may see bloody streaks on toilet paper,
underwear, or diapers. There may be itching around the
anus.
Care
There are a number of steps you
take at home to help the fissure heal. You may need surgery if
it fails to heal.
Risks
Without treatment, you could end
up with permanent scarring that may cause pain and bleeding
whenever you move your bowels.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Various over-the-counter medications can help. Take
only as directed by your doctor.
-
1/2 percent hydrocortisone cream to help relieve
irritation. Apply to the anal area.
-
A numbing ointment to help relieve pain. Apply to
the anal area.
-
Oral pain-killers such as acetaminophen for
additional relief.
-
A stool softener to prevent constipation until the
fissure heals.
-
Soaking in a warm bath can also lessen the
pain.
-
To hasten healing and avoid a
recurrence:
-
Try to keep your stool soft by eating high-fiber
foods (fruits, vegetables, bran, whole-wheat
grains).
-
Drink 6 to 8 glasses (soda-can sized) of water to
keep the stool from drying out.
-
Do not strain too hard during bowel
movements.
-
Avoid anal sex.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Bleeding from the rectal area increases in amount or
occurs more than 3 times, or blood is mixed throughout the
stool.
-
A high temperature develops.
-
The fissure becomes more painful or shows no
improvement after 3 days of treatment.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the
blood.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
Pulse Oximeter: While you are getting oxygen, you
may be hooked up to a pulse oximeter (ox-IM-uh-ter). It is
placed on your ear, finger, or toe and is connected to a
machine that measures the oxygen in your
blood.
-
ECG: Also called a heart monitor, an
electrocardiograph (e-lec-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG. The
patches on your chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or
a small portable box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a
tracing of each heartbeat. Your heart will be watched for
signs of injury or damage that could be related to your
illness.
-
Foley Catheter (CATH-uh-ter): This tube will drain
urine from your bladder if you are unable to urinate. The
catheter will be taken out when you can get to the bathroom
and urinate on your own.
-
Activity: You may need to rest in bed. Once you are
feeling better, you will be allowed to get
up.
-
Medicines
-
Antibiotics may be prescribed to fight infection.
They can be given through an IV, in a shot, or by
mouth.
-
Pain medicine may also be given in your IV, as a
shot, or by mouth. If the pain does not go away or comes
back, tell a doctor right away.
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