The lumps around your anus that are caused by bulging veins are called hemorrhoids. Your anus has fissures, which are tears in the skin that are more prone to hurt and become complicated.
Veins surrounding your anus enlarge, which can result in hemorrhoids. Anal fissures are caused by cracks in the skin that bleed from the anus.
Although the etiology and risk factors of these two illnesses differ, their symptoms are identical.
Continue reading to find out more about the distinctions between anal fissures and hemorrhoids, how to recognize one from the other based on your symptoms, and how medical professionals may diagnose and treat each problem.
What are hemorrhoids?
Swollen veins in the rectum or anus are the cause of hemorrhoids.
Generally speaking, hemorrhoids are caused by applying excessive pressure to the anus. Hemorrhoidal risk factors include:
- straining when you poop
- sitting for a long time
- having diarrhea or constipation
- straining when you lift heavy objections
- having obesity
- having anal sex
- being pregnant
- being older than 50 years
By the time they turn 50, up to half of all adults will have experienced a hemorrhoid.
What are anal fissures?
Anal fissures are caused by tearing or cutting of the anus skin.
Anal fissures are more common in infants and those over 50.
The following are a few of the most typical causes of anal fissures:
- having Crohn’s disease or another inflammatory bowel illness
- inadequate blood supply to your rectum and anus
- possessing anal sphincter muscle dysfunction
- having anal sex
- putting objects into your anus without being gentle or careful
Chronic illnesses such as the following can also cause anal fissures:
- anal cancer
- HIV
- tuberculosis
- syphilis
- anal herpes
What are the differences in symptoms between a hemorrhoid and an anal fissure?
Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
- blood in your anus
- anal itching
- noticeable lumps or swelling in your anus
- mild anus pain or discomfort
Hemorrhoids typically don’t hurt. Bacterial infections and tears in the skin increase the likelihood of anal fissures causing pain.
Symptoms of anal fissures include:
- anal tears or cuts
- anus pain when you poop
- blood when you poop or wipe
- persistent burning or itching in the anus
How do doctors diagnose hemorrhoids vs. anal fissures?
During a physical examination, doctors can frequently distinguish between an anal fissure and a hemorrhoid.
A digital rectal exam is a procedure used by doctors to feel within your anus to detect deeper hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Additional diagnostic procedures that can be used to identify an anal fissure or hemorrhoid include:
- anoscopy of your anus and rectum
- sigmoidoscopy of your sigmoid colon
- colonoscopy of your entire colon
What is the treatment for hemorrhoids vs. anal fissures?
If you relieve pressure on your anus, the majority of hemorrhoids and anal fissures will resolve on their own.
For the relief of hemorrhoids or anal fissures, you can also submerge your anus in a tiny tub filled with warm, purified water, a procedure called a “sitz bath.”
Topical lotions and ointments can help lessen swelling and itching that might aggravate an anal fissure or hemorrhoid by causing irritation.
If hemorrhoids don’t go away on their own, a rubber band ligation may be necessary to remove them. If conservative measures fail, surgical excision of anal fissures may also be necessary.
What is the outlook for people with hemorrhoids vs. anal fissures?
Treatment for hemorrhoids is not difficult and they are somewhat prevalent.
Most hemorrhoids can be avoided by eating a nutritious, high-fiber diet, and not straining when you lift objects or poop.
Infectious bacteria can infiltrate open wounds and create deadly infections, making anal fissures considerably more hazardous if left untreated.
Moreover, anal fissures can raise your risk of contracting STDs.
In addition, bleeding anal fissures or hemorrhoids that do not heal might result in:
- blood clots
- bleeding
- iron deficiency
- excess skin that doesn’t go away
Hemorrhoid vs. fissure vs. fistula
A tiny channel that can break open and get infected between the skin and anus is called an anal fistula. Intense discomfort and pus or discharge can be released from fistulas.
If they become infected, hemorrhoids and anal fissures can develop into fistulas.
How can I prevent hemorrhoids and anal fissures?
The following are some preventative measures for anal fissures and hemorrhoids:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Go poop as soon as you feel the urge.
- Eat a high-fiber diet.
- Dry your anus completely after you bathe.
- Treat diarrhea quickly.
- Exercise regularly.
- Use lubrication and protection if you have anal sex.
Takeaway
Anal fissures and hemorrhoids might have comparable causes. However, because anal fissures are more prone to infection, they can be more painful and deadly.
If the symptoms of your anal fissures or hemorrhoids don’t go away after you try home remedies, see a doctor.