- Are you suffering from constipation?
- Do you have pain, sometimes severe, during bowel movements?
- Do you have Itching or irritation around the anus?
- Do you have any foul smelling discharge?
MAY BE YOU HAVE FISSURES/FISTULAS…
What are Fissures/Fistula?
Anal fissure or rectal fissure is a cut or tear or break in the lining of the lower rectum (anus) that extends upwards into the anal canal. It causes pain during bowel movement. An anal fistula is an inflammatory tract between the anal canal and the skin. it is a tube like passage or tract from the anal canal to a hole in the skin near the anus.
Fistula is an abnormal connection between two organs or two tissue surfaces, anal fistula is the connection between the anal canal and the skin.
Signs & Symptoms of Fissures/Fistula
- Pain during and after bowel movement
- Itching
- Bleeding
- Constipation
- Discomfort during urination or inability to urinate
- Foul smelling discharge
- Swelling
Causes of Fissures / Fistula
Fissures are caused by stretching of anal mucosa beyond its capability which in turn results in occurrence of injury or trauma to the anus or anal canal. This trauma or injury may occur due to the following factors:
- Passing of hard or large or dry stool
- Repeated diarrhoea
- During childbirth
- Constipation or straining during bowel movement
- Anorectal area ( related to rectal area) inflammation
Fistulas are mainly caused due to:
- Anorectal eruption
- Rectal surgery
- These are less frequently caused by other processes like- Trauma and STD.
Ayurvedic Perspective of Fissures / Fistula
Anal fissures described as Parikartika in ayurvedic literatures by complication of virechan (purgation therapy). It is due to alleviation of vata and pittadosha which causes severe pain and burning sensation at guda (anal regions). In Ayurveda topical application ofjatyadioil or other healing oil preparations, guggulu, natural fiber intake (isabgol) are effective in treating anal fissures. Few plants used in treating anal fissures are: Madhuka (Glycyrrhizaglabra), Kantakari (Solanumsurattense), Shwadaunshtra (Tribulusterrestirs), Aloe-vera (Aloe barbadensis), Kutaj (Holarrhenaantidysentrica), and Bilwa (Eagle marmelos). Lastly Ayurveda focuses onconsumption of buttermilk, ghee, butter, cereals, food rich in fibres etc. for a complete relief from anal fissures.
According tosushruta fistula also called as Bhagandar– is a disease in which there is daran (deformity) of pubis (bhag), guda (anus) and bati. There is pustule or swelling formation near anus. In purrarrop of fistulaBhagandri Pildka (perianal abscess) is seen. Treatments like Raktamokshana (bloodletting), Agni karma (cauterization) and various types of lepas are described for treating. Discharging fistulae are cauterized or Kshar is applied on Stravi (discharging) fistulae and anutail (oil) is applied if pain persists at the site
Dietary recommendation in ayurveda emphasis on intake of green gram, gruel with lot of rice, soup of animal meat, drumstick, sesame oil, mustard oil, honey and ghee whereas irregular diet, exercise, incompatible food and travelling is avoided for relief in fistula.
