Fisher Disease (Anal Fissures): Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Fisher Disease?

A crack or split in the tissue present in the lining of the anal canal is an anal fissure, and the condition is called Fisher disease. The 'fisher' is a misleading term and is used for the condition called 'anal fissure'. The anal canal starts from the rectum's end and comes as a small tube. The Fisher disease or anal fissures are quite common. However, the condition is often mistaken for another condition related to the anal canal: haemorrhoids.

Types of Fisher Disease

• Acute anal fissures:

Acute anal fissures often occur all of a sudden and may heal within just two weeks. This type of anal fissure can heal with the simple application of creams and ointments.

• Chronic anal fissures:

Chronic anal fissures take time to heal. These may take more than two months to heal. These fissures may get complicated, reducing the anal opening's diameter by a few inches. This type of Fisher disease may recur every time a bowel movement occurs.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of Fisher disease or anal fissure are:

• Sharp, cutting pain during bowel movements

• Itching and burning sensation during bowel movements

• Raw, red blood during bowel movements

• Spasms in the anal muscles

• A skin tag or lump close to the crack in the tissue

Causes

The main causes of fisher disease or anal fissure are —

• Constipation:

This can cause Fisher disease due to low water intake and a low-fibre diet. Constipation leads to the passage of large and hard stool, tearing the tissue lining the anal canal.

• Vaginal delivery:

A perineum trauma during childbirth can eventually lead to the formation of anal fissures.

• Recurrent diarrhoea:

This can make the tissue lining the anal canal excessively wet and moist, leading to a tear in just no time.

• Sexually transmitted diseases:

Sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, herpes, etc., can damage the anal canal leading to cracks and tears.

• Inflammatory bowel diseases:

Bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease can trigger the issue of anal fissure or Fisher disease.

• Tight sphincter muscles:

Tight sphincter muscles can create much tension in the anal canal, eventually cracking it.

Risk Factors

The major risk factors for Fisher disease include:

• People who are constipated

• Pregnant women

• Infants and middle-aged adults

• People who are on a low-fibre diet

• People who are suffering from sexually transmitted diseases

• People who have undergone weight loss surgery

Diagnosis

The various steps for the diagnosis of Fisher disease or anal fissure are as follows —

• Medical history:

Your doctor will take your medical history and ask you about your toilet habits and your symptoms.

• Physical examination:

Your doctor will check the area physically to identify the presence of anal fissures.

• Digital rectal examination:

Your doctor may insert a gloved and lubricated finger to look for fissures.

• Anoscopy:

A device called an anoscope (a narrow tube fitted with a camera) is used to check for anal fissures within the anal canal.

Treatment

The Fisher disease or anal fissure can be treated through some simple measures as listed below —

• Sitz baths:

Immersing the buttocks and anal area in a tub of warm water can soothe the pain and discomfort associated with anal fissures.

• Dietary measures:

Consuming at least 25-35 grams of fibre per day can help with constipation, thereby helping alleviate the problem of anal fissures.

• Stool softeners:

Using stool softeners can relieve the issue of anal fissures.

• Creams and ointments:

Using healing creams (like calamine, aloe gel, zinc oxide, glycerine, and menthol) can soothe the irritation and reduce the pain and discomfort associated with anal fissures.

FAQs

1. What healthy toilet habits do you need to develop to avoid Fisher disease or anal fissures?

You must follow a fixed timing or routine to use the toilet daily. Additionally, you must never avoid using the toilet whenever you feel the urge.

2. Can excessive body weight be a trigger for anal fissures?

Yes, excessive body weight characterised by a high BMI can increase the chances of Fisher disease. Increasing body weight exerts much pressure on the rectum, and the anal area heightening the chances of a tear or crack in the lining of the anal canal.

3. Can turmeric be used as a natural treatment for anal fissures?

Yes, you may apply a paste of turmeric powder and aloe gel on the affected area to get relief. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric combined with the soothing properties of aloe vera gel can speed up healing and diminish the discomfort and pain associated with Fisher disease or anal fissures.

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Sources: healinghandsclinic.co.in, clevelandclinic.org

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on March 6, 2025