Anal fissures refer to cracks or tears in the anus and in the lining of the anal canal. An anal fissure is not life-threatening, but if left untreated may cause severe pain, constipation, and discomfort.
This condition may occur at any age. Though, it is more common among the young and middle-aged adults.
Trauma or injury to the anus is the most common cause of these fissures. Trauma may result from vaginal child birth, constipation, passage of large and hard stools, insertion of foreign objects, and anal sex.
Some colorectal diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome may also cause anal fissures.
Symptoms may include mild to severe anorectal pain, itching, and bleeding during and after passing stools.
Treatment depends on factors like the age, type of fissure, and the health status of the patient.
For patients with acute anal fissures, gastroenterologists would usually recommend medical treatments. On the other hand, patients with chronic fissures are advised to undergo surgery.
Medical treatments include fiber therapy, sitz bath, topical medications, stool softeners, and Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX) injection. If these treatments don’t work, a surgery called lateral internal sphincterotomy may be recommended to the patient.
Literatures about the use of cannabis and cocaine in the treatment and whether they worsen anal fissures are lacking. So, the effects of these “medicinal plants” on fissures are not yet fully known.
Cannabis is also known as weed, marijuana, grass, dope, pot, Mary Jane, hooch, hash, joints, brew, cones, smoke, buddha, ganga, reefers, mull, hydro, heads, yarndi, and green. It is used in the treatment of some diseases like epilepsy and cancer.
Because of its side-effects and addictive properties, the use of this drug is still controversial. Not all states in the United States legalize the use of cannabis in medical treatments.
Though, results of clinical trials and studies suggest the following health benefits of medical marijuana:
- Increase in appetite
- Reduce nausea
- Decrease inflammation, pain, and muscle control problems
- Control epileptic seizures
Research on the use of medical marijuana in treating cancer is still ongoing.
Cannabis may cause the following side-effects:
- Altered level of consciousness
- Increased pulse and heart rate, dilated pupils, appetite, and bloodshot eyes
- Distorted perceptions of space and time
- Anxiety, paranoia, panic
- Impaired concentration and coordination
Another controversial drug is cocaine or coke. It can be taken in various forms.
Cocaine can be taken orally, sniffed, inhaled, and injected into the vein. There are also suppository and topical forms of this drug.
Cocaine is used as a stimulant. Safer versions of this drug are used as anesthetics. Whereas, topical cocaine is used to numb an area.
Cocaine causes a brief period of being “high” or euphoric followed by a period of intense depression. Other side-effects include having an increased heart rate, convulsions, and muscle spasms.
It can also make people feel anxious, angry, hostile, and paranoid.
Cannabis and cocaine can be addictive. While these drugs offer health benefits, it is not advisable to take them without seeking the advice of your physician.
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