What are the symptoms of anal fissure in babies?

Symptoms of anal fissure in infants include crying during defecation, redness and swelling around the anus, and anal bleeding after defecation. These symptoms may be related to constipation, improper diet, or local infection of the anus. Timely adjustment of diet, keeping the anus clean, and seeking medical treatment are the key.

1. Crying during defecation: The most common symptom of anal fissure in infants is crying during defecation. This is because the anal fissure is irritated during defecation, causing pain. Infants cannot express their discomfort in words and can only convey it through crying. Parents need to pay attention to the baby's reaction during defecation. If they find that the baby cries frequently, they should be alert to the possibility of anal fissure.

2. Redness and swelling around the anus: Anal fissures may cause redness and swelling of the skin around the anus, which is due to the inflammatory reaction around the fissure. When parents clean the baby's anus, they should use warm water to wipe it gently and avoid using strong irritating detergents. Keeping the anus dry and clean can help reduce redness and swelling and prevent infection.

3. Anal bleeding after defecation: When anal fissures are severe, a small amount of bright red blood may appear after defecation. This is because the fissure is torn during defecation, causing bleeding. If parents find blood in the baby's anus after defecation, they should seek medical attention immediately. The doctor will prescribe ointment or recommend other treatments according to the situation.

4. Constipation: An important cause of anal fissures in infants is constipation. Constipation can lead to dry and hard stools, which puts greater pressure on the anus during defecation and can easily cause anal fissures. Parents should ensure that their infants take in enough water and fiber. For breastfed infants, mothers should maintain a balanced diet; for formula-fed infants, water intake can be appropriately increased.

5. Improper diet: An unreasonable diet structure of infants may also cause anal fissures. For breastfed infants, mothers should avoid excessive intake of spicy and greasy foods; for formula-fed infants, formula milk suitable for the infant's age should be selected and brewed correctly according to the instructions.

6. Local infection of the anus: Local infection of the anus is also a cause of anal fissure. Parents should clean the anus of their babies regularly and avoid using unclean diapers or paper towels. If abnormal secretions or odors are found around the anus, seek medical attention immediately.

The symptoms of anal fissure in infants should not be ignored. Parents should pay close attention to the baby's bowel movements and anal health. By adjusting the diet, keeping the anus clean and seeking medical treatment in time, anal fissure in infants can be effectively alleviated and treated to ensure the healthy growth of infants.