19/01/2018
A**l fissures and Ayurveda
An a**l fissure, or an a**l ulcer, is a break or tear in the skin or muscle of the a**l ca**l. A**l fissures cause severe pain and may result in bleeding during and after bowel movements. Sometimes, the fissure even cuts through the skin and exposes the muscle tissue underneath which might cause severe pain. In most cases, it is a temporary situation and heals on its own within four to six weeks. If it persists even after that, it is considered to be long term. It is advisable to get medical assistance if it becomes chronic. Here, we have compiled everything that you need to know about a**l fissures.
What are the causes of a**l fissure?
Most often, a**l fissure occurs with the passing of large and hard stool, which causes the a**l mucosa to stretch beyond its capability. Constipation or frequent diarrhea can also cause the tear in the skin. It might also result from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), infection and cancer. Though a**l fissures can affect people of all ages, it is generally seen in infants and young children as constipation is a common problem in these age groups. It can also occur due to:
1. Straining during childbirth
2. Decreased blood flow to the anorectal area
3. Overly tight or spastic a**l sphincter muscles
In some cases, it is seen to have developed from:
1. A**l cancer
2. HIV
3. Tuberculosis
4. Syphilis
5. Herpes
Who is most prone to an a**l fissure?
A**l fissures are common during infancy. Older adults are also prone to a**l fissures due to decreased blood flow in the anorectal area. Even the people with constipation are at a high risk of developing a**l fissure. During and after childbirth, women are at risk for a**l fissures due to straining during delivery.
People with IBD, such as Crohn's disease, also have a higher risk of developing a**l fissures.
What are the symptoms of A**l Fissure?
1. Painful defecation
2. Burning defecation
3. Bleeding while defecation
4. Ulceration at verge of a**l ca**l
5. Constipation
6. Tags (swelling) at a**l verge
How can it be treated?
In most cases, it is a temporary situation and heals on its own within four to six weeks that's why mostly non-surgical treatments are recommended initially. The home remedies to it includes:
1. Drinking a lot of fluids
2. Eating more fibrous food such as raw fruits and vegetables.
3. Taking warm baths to relax a**l muscles, relieve irritation and increase the blood flow.
4. Avoid spicy, oily, bakery products and fermented food.
5. Drink a glass of freshly prepared buttermilk daily.
6. Take 1tbs Triphala Churna with 1glass of lukewarm water during bed time.
7. Take 1tbs Hingwashtak churna with 1tbs of cow’s ghee twice a day before food.
8. For Pregnant ladies – take 1 cup of milk + 1tbs cow’s ghee during bed time.
9. If medicine doesn’t stop your symptoms, consult with the expert.
Okay, but can't we prevent it from happening altogether?
A**l fissures can definitely be prevented by:
1. Keeping the a**l area dry
2. Cleansing the a**l area gently with mild soap and warm water
3. Avoiding constipation by drinking plenty of fluids, eating fibrous foods, and exercising regularly.
4. Changing diapers frequently for infants.
