Chronic anal fissure and acute anal fissure symptoms

The symptoms of chronic and acute anal fissures can be distinguished by pain, bleeding, and bowel habits. Treatment requires medication, surgery, or lifestyle adjustments based on the severity of the symptoms. Acute anal fissures usually present with severe pain and a small amount of bright red bleeding, and the pain is quickly relieved after defecation; chronic anal fissures are accompanied by persistent pain, difficulty defecating, and anal itching, and may form ulcers or scar tissue. Treatment of acute anal fissures is mainly conservative, such as local anesthetic ointment, warm water sitz baths, and a high-fiber diet; chronic anal fissures may require nitroglycerin ointment, botulinum toxin injections, or surgical intervention, such as fissure resection or internal anal sphincterotomy.

1. The symptoms of acute anal fissures include severe pain during defecation, which usually lasts for several minutes to several hours. The pain is relieved quickly after defecation, often accompanied by a small amount of bright red bleeding, which is mostly attached to the surface of the stool or toilet paper. Acute anal fissures are mostly caused by tearing of the anal skin during defecation, which is common in patients with constipation or diarrhea. Treatment is mainly conservative. Local anesthetic ointments such as lidocaine can relieve pain, warm water sitz baths can help relax the anal sphincter, and a high-fiber diet and plenty of water can soften the stool and reduce irritation to the anus during defecation.

2. Symptoms of chronic anal fissures include persistent pain, difficulty in defecation, and anal itching. The pain may last for several hours or even longer after defecation, and the amount of bleeding during defecation is small but recurrent. Chronic anal fissures are often caused by untimely treatment of acute anal fissures or repeated attacks. Ulcers or scar tissue may form, and cracks or skin tags may appear on the skin around the anus. Treatment requires the selection of drugs or surgery according to the condition. Nitroglycerin ointment can promote local blood circulation, relieve pain and promote healing; botulinum toxin injections can relax the anal sphincter, reduce pain and spasms; surgical interventions such as fissure resection or internal anal sphincterotomy are suitable for patients with refractory anal fissures.

3. Lifestyle adjustment is crucial to the prevention and treatment of anal fissures. A high-fiber diet such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits can increase stool volume, soften stool, and reduce pressure on the anus during defecation; moderate exercise such as walking or yoga can promote intestinal peristalsis and prevent constipation; avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, keep the anal area clean and dry, use mild detergents and soft toilet paper, and avoid excessive wiping. Patients with acute anal fissures need to seek medical attention in a timely manner, and patients with chronic anal fissures should be followed up regularly to evaluate the treatment effect and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

The symptoms and treatment of chronic anal fissure and acute anal fissure need to be selected according to the specific situation. Acute anal fissure is mainly treated conservatively, while chronic anal fissure may require medication or surgical intervention. Lifestyle adjustments are crucial for the prevention and treatment of anal fissure. Patients should seek medical attention in a timely manner and follow regular follow-up to evaluate the treatment effect to ensure that the disease is effectively controlled.