Friends in the Vancouver area, are you troubled by recurring fissure problems? How do I prevent fissures from happening again?

Fissures are a common anal disorder that brings a lot of discomfort and pain to patients. Once afflicted with a fissure, many worry about its recurrence. Fortunately, by making some simple dietary and lifestyle adjustments, we can effectively prevent the recurrence of fissures. In this article, we will share some methods to prevent fissures from recurring, guiding diet, lifestyle habits, and health tips.

Dietary Adjustments

Diet is a cornerstone in the prevention of anal fissures, a condition that arises primarily due to the passage of hard stools and the resulting strain during bowel movements.

Here’s a more detailed elaboration:

Hydration: Water is an essential component of a healthy digestive system. Adequate hydration ensures that the stool remains soft and moist, facilitating smoother transit through the intestines and easier evacuation. This reduces the strain on the anal region during defecation, which is crucial in both the prevention and the healing of fissures. Adults are generally recommended to consume about 8 glasses (around 2 litres) of water daily, but this may vary depending on individual needs, climate, and activity levels.

Dietary fibre: fibre is a dietary element that human enzymes cannot digest. It is classified into two types: soluble and insoluble. Both types play a role in maintaining digestive health, but it is a primarily insoluble fibre that helps to increase stool bulk. This type of fibre adds mass to the stool, which can stimulate the bowel and assist in more regular and bulkier, yet softer, bowel movements. This is particularly helpful in preventing constipation, a common risk factor for developing fissures. Soluble fibre, on the other hand, absorbs water and can help to soften the stool.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: These are excellent sources of both soluble and insoluble fibre. They also contain significant amounts of water, which can further aid in softening the stool. Berries, pears, apples (with the skin), oranges, carrots, and leafy greens are exceptionally high in fibre.

Whole Grains: Unlike their refined counterparts, whole grains retain the bran and germ, which provide fibre and nutrients. Options like brown rice, whole wheat, oats, and barley are excellent choices to incorporate into the diet.

Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are high in fibre and also offer a significant source of plant-based protein. They can be included in the diet in various forms such as soups, salads, or as a main dish.

It’s important to note that increasing fibre intake should be done gradually to allow the digestive system to adjust. A sudden increase in fibre can lead to bloating and gas. Also, as fibre intake goes up, it’s important to increase water intake as well to ensure the fibre moves smoothly through the digestive system.

By maintaining these dietary practices, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of constipation, thus preventing the strain that leads to the development and recurrence of anal fissures.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Avoid Straining During Bowel Movements:

• Straining during bowel movements is a common cause of anal fissures. This excessive force can create tears in the anal lining. To avoid straining, it’s essential to respond promptly to the urge to defecate instead of holding it in. The stool can become more complex and more difficult to pass if delayed.
• Regular exercise can help maintain regular bowel movements. Physical activity, especially aerobic exercises like walking, running, or swimming, can help stimulate intestinal contractions, ensuring smooth bowel movements and reducing the need to strain.
• In some cases, using a squatting position or a footstool to elevate the feet while sitting on the toilet can help align the rectum in a position that eases the passage of stool, thereby reducing strain.

Maintaining Anal Hygiene:

• Keeping the anal area clean is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing, especially if there’s a fissure or a history of them. However, harsh wiping or the use of dry toilet paper can aggravate the area. Instead, using warm water to cleanse after bowel movements can be soothing gently. This can be done with a bidet, a handheld shower, or wet wipes for sensitive skin.
• After cleansing, it’s important to pat the area dry gently with a soft towel. Vigorous rubbing should be avoided as it can irritate the skin. Keeping the area dry prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to skin irritation or infection.

Avoid Prolonged Sitting on the Toilet:

• Sitting on the toilet for extended periods, especially while straining, can increase pressure in the anal and pelvic areas, exacerbating existing fissures or contributing to new ones. It’s advisable to use the toilet only when there’s a strong urge to go and to avoid lingering or waiting for bowel movements.
• This also extends to general sitting habits. Long periods of sitting, especially on hard surfaces, can increase pressure on the anal area. Frequent breaks to stand, walk, or stretch can alleviate this pressure.

In summary, these lifestyle adjustments aim to reduce pressure and strain on the anal area, maintain cleanliness, and promote a healthy environment conducive to preventing the occurrence and recurrence of anal fissures. These changes, along with a healthy diet, can significantly improve anal health and contribute to overall well-being.

Health Tips:

In addition to dietary and lifestyle adjustments, some health tips can also help prevent the recurrence of fissures.

First, maintaining a proper weight and healthy physical condition is vital and achievable through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise.

Secondly, avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Take breaks and move around to reduce pressure on the anal area.

Additionally, regular physical examinations and consulting professional doctors are critical. The N.A. Hemorrhoids Centre can provide you with more preventive measures and advice.

Preventing the recurrence of fissures is very important. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Let’s move towards a healthy life together!

If you encounter any problems or need further assistance, please consult professional doctors or the professional team at the N.A. Hemorrhoids Centre. Based on over 40 years of clinical experience, we will wholeheartedly provide you with time-tested treatments for long-term symptom relief.