After developing an anal fissure, patients often experience discomfort such as pain and bleeding. Some people also strain too much during bowel movements, which can easily cause or worsen an anal fissure, and in severe cases, it can even lead to bleeding. So, how should patients with an anal fissure be cared for? What are the precautions for patients with an anal fissure?
Focus on diet therapy:
Regular consumption of high-fiber foods can stimulate gastrointestinal motility and promote bowel movements. Foods that nourish the blood and moisten the bowels, such as longan pulp, red dates, walnuts, sesame seeds, black fungus, mulberries, and pine nuts, can be eaten regularly. They can also be prepared into medicinal and dietary recipes, such as longan congee, sesame seed cakes, pine nuts stir-fried with corn, and walnuts stir-fried with lean meat, to moisten the bowels, promote regularity, and aid in the healing of the fissure.
Adjust mentality:
Strengthen the education on anal fissure hygiene knowledge, and explain the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of the disease to the patient in detail to alleviate their anxiety, boost their confidence in fighting the disease, and thus maintain a relaxed and peaceful state of mind.
Ensure smooth bowel movements:
Keeping bowel movements regular is crucial for preventing this condition. Patients should develop a daily habit of defecating at a fixed time. If necessary, they can take laxatives such as liquid paraffin or phenolphthalein tablets. Alternatively, they can use traditional Chinese medicines like rhubarb or senna to make tea, which can soften stools for easier bowel movements. A warm sitz bath after a bowel movement can improve local blood circulation, promote the absorption of inflammation, reduce pain, and alleviate the patient's anxiety to facilitate bowel movements.
Regulate diet:
A well-balanced diet is beneficial for ensuring regular bowel movements. The diet should include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods, with less or no spicy and irritating foods. Drinking plenty of water ensures the gastrointestinal tract secretes abundant digestive fluids, which aids peristalsis and prevents constipation.
Pay attention to hygiene:
Maintaining anal hygiene is essential. The anus should be cleaned promptly after a bowel movement. Frequent bathing and changing of underwear can effectively prevent infection. If there is significant bleeding, one should seek medical attention. If the bleeding is minor, observation should be intensified, and blood-enriching nutritional supplements and foods should be consumed to enhance the body's resistance.
Insist on sitz baths:
Use a 1:5000 potassium permanganate warm water sitz bath before and after bowel movements. The water temperature should be 43°C-46°C. Perform this 2-3 times a day for 20-30 minutes each time. A sitz bath can relax the anal sphincter, reduce pain, improve local blood circulation, promote the absorption of inflammation, and facilitate the healing of the anal fissure.
For women:
Additionally, during menstruation, women should pay attention to hygiene and avoid strenuous physical activities. During pregnancy, they should eat more fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation. During childbirth, it is important to protect the perineum to avoid tearing it or the anus.