Piles vs Fissure: What's the Difference?

Having pain or bleeding when passing stools is a matter that causes much concern and one might start considering himself or herself to suffer from piles. But there is one more condition called a fissure which has some common symptoms but is quite different from piles. Knowing the difference between hemorrhoids and fissure is essential if one wants to know how to act in such a situation.

In this article you will find out more about piles symptoms, fissure symptoms and the most distinguishing features between piles and fissure.

What Is Piles?

Piles (hemorrhoids) are enlarged blood vessels developing either inside or around the anus. It usually happens due to the increased pressure during defecation, chronic constipation, pregnancy or prolonged sitting.

Severity of the disease can vary from irritation up to significant pain.

Symptoms Of Piles

Knowing about piles symptoms is important to be able to recognize the disease and to begin the treatment as soon as possible. Main piles symptoms include:

• Blood after passing stools

• Itching in the anal area

• Swelling around the anus

• Pain while sitting

• Lump located outside the anus

Everyone does not have all these piles symptoms and their severity also differs from patient to patient.

Anal Fissure Definition

Anal fissures refer to cracks that occur in the lining of the skin surrounding the anus. In most cases, a fissure is caused by dry or hard stool stretching the lining of the area while passing through.

While hemorrhoids can cause inflammation, the pain experienced in the case of a fissure occurs mainly.

Symptoms of Anal Fissures

Typical symptoms of anal fissures may include:

• Sharp pains during bowel movements

• Stinging sensations after going to the washroom

• Red stains of blood found on toilet paper

• Crack located around the anal region

• Tightness caused by muscle spasm

The above-listed symptoms are usually noticed suddenly, especially in the case of constipation.

Differences between Hemorrhoids and Fissure

When distinguishing hemorrhoids vs fissure, the easiest approach is the pain experienced.

This comparison makes it easier to understand the difference between piles and fissures, even though both conditions may involve bleeding.

How Do You Know If It Is One Or Another?

Because there are certain common features between them, it is difficult to tell the difference between hemorrhoids and fissures. However, it can be easily done through the following rule of thumb:

• In case there are more obvious bleeding and itching, piles symptoms should be suspected.

• Should severe pain arise right after defecation, then the fissure symptoms might be identified.

The exact diagnosis is possible only by visiting your healthcare professional.

A True Story

Think about Amit, a 34 years old software expert who spends all day long sitting at a desk. Due to several days of constipation, he noticed some blood in red color and thought that it was his piles. Ignoring this problem and not consulting with healthcare professionals for a week, Amit faced severe problems.

Every bowel movement brought a lot of pain to him. In result, after consulting with the doctor he found out that he had not piles but an anal fissure. With some changes in the diet, drinking more water and taking sitz baths, Amit started feeling much better.

Are Both of These Conditions Preventable?

Yes. Good bowels habits can decrease the risk of developing both conditions.

Prevention Is Not Difficult

• Eat fiber-filled foods daily.

• Drink sufficient amount of water daily.

• Don't strain while evacuating.

• Do physical activity.

• Don't waste your time in toilet seat unnecessarily.

These actions will decrease pressure on your anus and ensure easy bowel movement.

What Are the Signs That You Need to See Doctor?

Don't postpone visiting the doctor if the symptoms persist and worsen. Consult with a doctor if:

• Bleeding keeps coming back.

• Pain becomes unbearable.

• Lump becomes bigger.

• Self-care doesn't make any improvements.

• Heavy bleeding or feeling of dizziness occurs.

Early treatment can help in finding the true cause and prevent possible complications.

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between piles and fissure is essential since both conditions have almost similar symptoms. Although the main symptoms of piles include bleeding, itching and inflammation, the main symptoms of fissure are acute pain in the process of bowel movements and after them. This knowledge can help you take necessary actions on time.

At JollyPharmaIndia.com, we value your awareness and proper habits as the first step towards digestive system health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are piles capable of turning into fissures?

Absolutely not. These are two different diseases that might arise due to constipation and straining.

2. Is it possible to take piles products by Ayurveda every day?

One has to take Ayurvedic preparations strictly following the directions provided. One should consult a doctor if he or she is pregnant, breastfeeds, takes some medications regularly or bleeds frequently.

3. Is it possible to take piles products when I have a fissure?

This is unlikely as the treatment for these diseases might be different.

4. Does rectal bleeding always mean piles?

Certainly not. Rectal bleeding might happen due to different diseases. The presence of rectal bleeding should be investigated by a doctor.