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You’ve probably questioned what’s going on if you’ve ever had pain during bowel motions or seen blood in the toilet. Anal fissures and anal fistulas are two disorders that usually cause confusion. Even though they may have some symptoms in common and seem similar, they are two completely separate problems in terms of how they begin and how they are resolved.
In order for you to know what to look for and when to get care, let’s simply and clearly explain the difference between anal fissure and fistula.
A little rip or cut in the thin tissue lining the anus is called an anal fissure, and it is typically caused by trauma, such as having recurrent diarrhea or passing a hard stool. It is among the most prevalent anorectal issues in children, but it can also occur in adults. The rip is considered to be acute if it heals in 6-8 weeks. However, it is considered chronic if it persists for a longer period of time and manifests symptoms like swelling or scar tissue.
In contrast, an anal fistula is a tunnel-like tract that develops between the skin surrounding the anus and its interior. It usually begins as an infection, such as a pus-filled abscess, which gradually makes its way to the surface.
Although they both produce discomfort, fissures and fistulas manifest in your daily life in slightly different ways. Here are some of the major differences between anal fissure and anal fistula.
| ANAL FISSURE | ANAL FISTULA |
|---|---|
| Severe discomfort during bowel movements | Anal ache that doesn’t go away |
| Bright red blood on toilet paper | May have some bleeding with discharge |
| No swelling or bulge in majority cases | A bulge or swelling close to the anus |
| Rare chances of infection | Fever or infection-related symptoms |
| No or rare chances of fluid or any discharge | Fluid leakage or pus (may discolor underpants) |
| It may cause itching or tenderness in the anal region | May occur if infection worsens |
See a doctor if you experience persistent discomfort, particularly if you have a fever or any kind of discharge.
Trauma, such as straining during bowel motions, persistent constipation, or even childbirth, is the primary cause of the majority of fissures. Nonetheless, some are connected to illnesses like:
A fissure can be caused by anything that irritates or strains the anal lining.
Fistulas frequently start off as an abscess, which is an infection that results in a pus-filled pocket. A tunnel from the inside of the anus to the outer skin may form if the infection doesn’t heal adequately. Among the causes are:
Unlike fissures, fistulas are almost always the result of an underlying infection or condition.
If a fissure can develop into a fistula is a frequently asked question. Generally speaking, the answer is no. It is uncommon for a fissure to become a fistula unless it is ignored for a long period of time, although it may become infected and develop into an abscess. To avoid complications, any ongoing pain or bleeding should be taken care of instantly.
Treating Anal Fissures: With the right treatment, many fissures heal themselves. Topical medicines, warm sitz baths, and dietary adjustments to prevent constipation can all be beneficial. However, in order to relax the muscle and encourage healing, surgical treatments such as LIS may be suggested if they don’t heal.
Treating Anal Fistulas: Usually, fistulas require medical attention to heal. Surgery is frequently necessary; the most popular procedure is fistulotomy, in which the tract is surgically opened and left to recover internally. In more complicated cases other techniques could be utilized to hold the tract open during the healing process.
Self-diagnosing anal disorders can be challenging, particularly since many of them have similar symptoms. Don’t wait if you’re in pain, bleeding, or have any strange discharge. An early diagnosis might help you return to normal more quickly and stop infections from getting worse.
Although the symptoms of anal fissures and fistulas may overlap, they are two completely different illnesses with distinct causes and therapies. Always remember, a fistula is a deeper tract associated with infection, whereas a fissure is typically a surface-level tear. Being aware of the distinctions can enable you to spot problems early and get help when you need it. And when you know that professional intervention is important, make sure you visit Jain Multispeciality Hospital.
