Anal fissures occur among people of all ages but they are most common among young people in Singapore. It is a common medical condition and accounts for up to 6% to 15% of visits to a rectal and colon surgeon.
An anal fissure is a tear or cuts in the soft, thin and moist tissue lining the anus. It may occur as a result of passing large and hard stools during a bowel movement. An anal fissure can cause discomfort and bleeding during a bowel movement. Upon treatment, it takes up to four to six weeks to heal.
An anal fissure comes with various symptoms and they include:
Anal fissures are primarily caused by passing hard and large stools during constipation. Decreased blood flow to the anorectal area, straining during childbirth, frequent diarrhoea and traumatic diseases are possible causes of anal fissure. In rare cases, anal cancer, syphilis and HIV can lead to anal fissure.
Most anal fissures heal on their own. However, certain anal fissure treatments can be applied to ameliorate the symptoms and help promote healing. Treatment methods for anal fissures in Singapore typically include:
To diagnose an anal fissure, a colon medical expert examines the area around the anus. During the examination, a doctor inserts an anoscope into the anus to be able to see the tear. Using the anoscope the doctor will be able to detect symptoms and possible causes of the anal fissure. This will aid them to provide adequate treatment.
They will be able to see the anal fissure by gently parting your buttocks or inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into your anus. They may carry out the diagnosis by enquiring about your toilet habit.
Since constipation is common among all age groups; no age group is excluded from having an anal fissure. In fact, 1 out of 10 people has been affected by anal fissure at one point in their life. However, children and young adults between the age of 10 and 30 are more inclined to have an anal fissure.
Do you have an anal fissure? After eight weeks if the condition is still chronic, you should see your doctor. For anal fissure treatment in Singapore, please feel free to book an appointment with our specialist.
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