Anal fissures, constipation, anal fistula, and diarrhea all have something in common: they are all conditions occurring in the digestive system of the body related to bowel movement. While they may appear in the same region, it is important to know their differences and how they are associated with anal fissure.
Constipation is a condition where an individual has difficulties in excreting feces. Usually, the stool that comes out is hard due to the slow movement of food along the colon causing it to lose water. This causes straining during bowel movement. The most common causes are lack in fiber in the diet, lack of exercise or activity, pregnancy, lack of liquid intake, and some medical conditions.
Constipation is one of the main causes of anal fissures. The passing of hard stools during this state causes a tear in the tissues around the anal canal which is called an anal fissure. Although an anal fissure may heal by itself even if it is untreated in a few weeks, there is a possibility of recurrence or that the condition persists. Constipation being one of the main causes is the reason why most treatment methods for anal fissure are aimed at treating this condition.
Anal fistula is an inflammatory tract or tube-like passage that runs from either the anal canal or the rectum to an opening in the skin near the anus. It is caused by the presence of anal abscess or by Crohn’s disease. It may be confused with anal fissures because the symptoms of bleeding and itchiness occur in both cases. But while the tear of the skin in anal fissure is shallow, the one in anal fistulas is only the opening of the fistula itself. Fistulas may also be more complex than just one tract when untreated and cause more openings in the skin. Aside from bleeding and itchiness in the anal area, pus secretion and worse diarrhea may occur in these cases.
Diarrhea is a disorder where a person has more frequent bowel movement. In this case, it is the opposite of constipation because the stool is loose and soft. It is due to increased fluid and the fast movement of stool in the intestine. This condition can happen to anyone as there are a lot of things that can cause it from food, medicine, and even stress.
Diarrhea is another major cause of anal fissures. Even though the stool becomes soft and bowel movement is much easier, the frequency of toilet visits puts stress on the digestive tract. This stress in the anal region requires more contraction and stretching of the anal sphincter and causes tears on the anal canal lining.
Constipation, anal fistulas, and diarrhea may be different disorders but they all occur in the anorectal region of the digestive tract. The two are known to be the main causes for anal fissures. Although it is not a very serious condition, it can be painful and uncomfortable. From this it can be concluded that one disorder may lead to another and it is therefore important to not leave even minor diseases untreated.
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