5 Self-Care Tips To Prevent Recurrent Anal fissure

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus causing severe pain, bleeding, itching, and discomfort in the anal area. The fissure-in-ano results due to passing a hard stool, chronic diarrhea, or anal intercourse. It is a quite common condition and can affect people of all ages.

The anal fissure may recur, so, along with the medicines, it is important to make some lifestyle changes and follow some dietary restrictions.

Most of the anal fissures heal with home remedies after a few days or weeks. Follow these simple steps to help obtain relief in the complaints:

1. Have Plenty of Fiber:

Constipation can worsen the anal fissure. And, eating enough fiber-rich foods will help relieve you of constipation. Having fruits and vegetables that are abundant in fiber every day will help improve the bowel movements. Dietary fiber is present in all the plant foods, fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes, nuts, and grains. Some foods containing more levels of fiber are berries, figs, broccoli, peas, carrots, oats, citrus fruits, the skin of many fruits and vegetables, oat bran, and legumes like beans and lentils. The fiber found in the citrus fruits and legumes stimulates the growth of bacteria in the colon, thereby helps in improving the colonic flora. This helps in increasing the stool weight and the number of bacteria in the stool.

Add fiber-rich foods slowly. Having fiber-rich food at once may cause stomach cramps, bloating, tightness of abdomen, and gas. So, add fiber-rich foods to your diet appropriately. Drinking more water will also help to relieve the associated symptoms. Avoid processed foods, fried foods, alcohol, and tobacco which may cause Constipation. If it is not possible to get enough fiber from the foods, you can try fiber supplements.

2. Hydration: Key To Prevent Constipation:

Stay hydrated. Having an adequate intake of water helps soften the hard stool and makes it easy to pass. Since the hard stool results due to the less intake of water, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. A warm glass of water after waking up in the morning will help to improve the bowel movements.

3. Check Your Bowel Habits:

Avoid sitting for a long time on the toilet or straining, as it will increase pressure on the anal canal. Always use the washroom when you experience an urge to pass the stools, and don’t hold it.

4. Exercise Regularly:

Exercise is essential for regular bowel movements. Constipation is the main reason for anal fissure, and exercise can help promote smooth bowel movements. Simply getting up and moving can help improve intestinal motility. Walking for a few minutes several times a day can help the digestive system to work at its best. Avoid rigorous exercise after a heavy meal, as, after having a meal, the blood flow increases to the stomach and intestines for digestion. But, if you exercise right after a meal, the blood flows towards the heart and muscles instead.

5. Opt For Sitz Bath:

Sitz bath, also called a hip bath, is a warm soothing soak for the bottom area, between your legs including anus, vagina, or scrotum which provides relief from the pain and itching and promotes healing of anal fissure by increasing blood flow to the perineum. The soak is made up of warm water and table salt or baking soda. Add approximately 2 teaspoons of table salt in the warm water, sit down carefully in the plastic Sitz bath, and soak for approximately 15-20 minutes.

Don’t suffer in silence, discuss your issues with your healthcare provider. All these simple self-care tips will help you to deal with your health condition i.e. anal fissure in a better way, reduce its recurrence, and prevent the further progression of the disease.