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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Anal Fissure

Anal Fissure

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Symptoms & Signs

Prevention

Diagnosis & Tests

Treatment

Expectations or Prognosis

Complications

Calling Your Health Care Provider

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Definition

An anal fissure is a small split or tear in the anal mucosa that may cause painful bowel movements and bleeding. There may be blood on the outside of the stool or on the toilet tissue following a bowel movement.

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Anal fissures are extremely common in young infants but may occur at any age. Studies suggest 80% of infants will have had an anal fissure by age one. Most fissures heal on their own and do not require treatment, aside from good diaper hygeine. However, some fissures may require medical treatment.

The incidence of anal fissures decreases rapidly with age. Fissures are much less common among school-aged children than among infants.

In adults, fissures may be caused by constipation, particularly when passing large, hard stools, or by prolonged diarrhea. In older adults, anal fissures may be caused by decreased blood flow to the area.

Anal fissures are also common in women after childbirth and people with Crohn's disease.



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Definition
Anal Fissure Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Anal Fissure Symptoms & Signs
Anal Fissure Prevention
Anal Fissure Diagnosis & Tests
Anal Fissure Treatment
Anal Fissure Prognosis
Anal Fissure Complications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Crohn's Disease

Other Topics

Bleeding
Chronic
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fiber
Incidence
Inspection
Mucosa
Sitz Bath

Review Date : 10/28/2002
Reviewed By : David R. Knowles M.D., Department of Urology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia Campus, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial reviewers. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Page Last Updated: 19 Jul, 2008