Fissure In Ano is a condition in which the Anoderm which is a specialized tissue lining anal canal and anus develops a minor tear or cut. Since this tissue contains abundant sensory nerve endings which could sense even a slightest pain or touch, this condition can prove to be extremely painful. In initial stage the fissure (cut) may involve only epidermis but in many cases the cut deepens due to straining at stool in constipation, it might reach to the dermis thus making condition even worse. The anus react to this situation by contracting in order to stabilize pain but since then there is no way left for the feces to move out, it stretches the tear more thus hindering the healing process. The pain is generally accompanied by bleeding which passes out as streaks with stool during defecation. Fissure can be of any of the two types- acute fissure which is superficial and is cured within six weeks or chronic fissure which persists for more than six weeks and is caused by deepening of the superficial cut. It is more common in people who are constipated and in some women after pregnancy.

SYMPTOMS

The fissure causes extreme burning pain especially during defecation which is often accompanied by blood streaks along with stools. The unbearable pain and bleeding usually discourages people from defecation thus causing constipation. Tightness of anus interrupts the discharging of stool. In case of chronic fissures the person can even experience terrible itching and swelling in the lower region. If the problem continues for a long duration it can cause urinary problems like increased frequency of urination.