Anal Fissures
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the lining of the anus. It can cause severe pain during and after bowel movements, as well as rectal bleeding. Anal fissures are common in both adults and children. They can be acute (lasting less than 6 weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 6 weeks). Early treatment helps to relieve symptoms and prevent chronic complications. Causes Passing large or hard stools during constipation Frequent diarrhoea causing irritation of the anal lining Childbirth trauma Anal intercourse Inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease Rarely, infections such as syphilis, tuberculosis, or HIV Pathophysiology An anal fissure usually starts with trauma to the anoderm (skin