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Anal Fissures
Anal fissures are small tears in the anus lining that cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements. While many heal with dietary changes and warm baths, persistent fissures require expert care. Dr. Nghia Nguyen at GastroDoxs offers tailored lasting relief.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Passing large or hard stools
Ongoing constipation or diarrhea
Straining during bowel movements
Childbirth, especially a difficult delivery
Inflammatory bowel disease
Low-fiber diet, inadequate hydration, and high stress levels
Signs and Symptoms
Sharp pain or burning during and after bowel movements
Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
Visible crack or tear in the skin around the anus
Itching or swelling around the anal area
Small skin tag near a chronic fissure
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Anal Fissures?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Symptom Review
He discusses your pain patterns, bowel‐movement habits, diet, fluid intake, and any past issues such as constipation, diarrhea, or childbirth trauma.
Visual and Digital Exam
He performs a gentle inspection of the anal verge and, if tolerable, a careful fingertip exam to localize the fissure, evaluate sphincter tone, and look for skin tags or swelling.
Anoscopic Evaluation
When necessary, he uses a small anoscope to directly view the anal canal and assess the depth and chronicity of the tear, as well as to rule out other pathologies.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
In rare or atypical cases, Dr. Nguyen may order endoscopic studies or imaging to exclude inflammatory bowel disease, abscess, or other underlying conditions before crafting a treatment plan.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for anal fissures.
1. Diet and Daily Habits
Eat more fiber by adding fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your meals
Drink eight to ten glasses of water each day
Take fiber supplements such as psyllium or methylcellulose if needed
Soak in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times a day
2. Medications
Topical creams or ointments to numb pain and relax the anal muscles
Nitroglycerin or calcium channel blockers to increase blood flow and reduce pressure
Stool softeners to make bowel movements easier and prevent straining
3. Advanced Treatment Options
Botox injections to relax the muscle around the fissure and promote healing
Lateral internal sphincterotomy, a minor surgical procedure for fissures that won't heal with conservative care
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do anal fissures heal on their own?
Yes, mild fissures often heal within a few weeks through dietary changes, adequate hydration, and warm sitz baths. Persistent fissures may require medical treatment.
How long does healing take?
Most people experience significant relief in four to six weeks. Severe or chronic fissures may take longer and sometimes need procedural intervention.
Can you have hemorrhoids and a fissure at the same time?
Yes, both conditions can occur together, especially if you strain during bowel movements or pass hard stools.
Are fiber supplements safe to use?
Yes, fiber supplements like psyllium or methylcellulose are safe and effective for softening stools and preventing constipation.
What if nothing works?
If home remedies and medications fail, Botox injections or a minor surgery called lateral internal sphincterotomy can provide lasting relief.
Will the treatment hurt?
Most treatments are gentle and use numbing creams or careful techniques to minimize discomfort during and after the procedure.
How do I prevent fissures in the future?
Maintain a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, avoid straining, and keep regular bowel habits to reduce the risk of new fissures.
