What is Fisher Disease?

Understanding Fisher Disease: Main Causes & Symptoms 

Fisher disease is a commonly used term, however, it is an inaccurate term for anal fissures, which occur when there is a crack or tear in the thin lining of the anal canal. These can be extremely painful and potentially bleed during bowel movements.

Although uncomfortable, Fisher disease rarely leads to serious complications and can often be treated effectively with simple self-care measures. Thus, it is crucial to understand its symptoms for early diagnosis and treatment.

Keep reading for further insights into this condition.

Understanding Fisher Disease

An anal fissure is a small cut or tear in the lining of the anal canal. The disease is usually called Fisher's disease, but it is technically a misspelling of the name. The anal canal is a narrow tube that runs from the end of the rectum to the body surface.

Anal fissures are not uncommon but are usually mistaken for haemorrhoids, another anal disorder with very similar symptoms.

What are the Various Types of Fisher Disease?

There are 2 types of anal fissures, which are:

1. Acute Anal Fissures: Theyoccur abruptly and get resolved in two weeks. Treatment is typically achieved through the application of topical creams or ointments to relieve symptoms and facilitate recovery.
2. Chronic Anal Fissures: These fissures are longer-lasting, taking over two months to resolve, and may lead to complications, such as narrowing of the anal opening. Chronic fissures tend to recur with each bowel movement and might need more forceful treatment.

What are the Causes of Fisher Disease?

The primary causes for Fisher disease, also known as anal fissure, are:

• Constipation: Low fiber intake and insufficient water intake can lead to constipation. This condition results in the passage of large, hard stools that can tear the lining of the anal canal.
• Vaginal Delivery: Trauma to the perineum during childbirth may lead to the development of anal fissures.
• Recurrent Diarrhea: Recurrent diarrhea causes the lining of the anal canal to be too moist, thus more prone to laceration.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections: Conditions like syphilis and herpes may harm the tissue lining the anal canal, resulting in fissures or tears.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Disorders such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can contribute to the formation of anal fissures.
• Tight Anal Sphincter Muscles: Over-tightening of anal sphincter muscles can lead to cracking in the anal canal.

What are the Symptoms of Fisher Disease?

The common symptoms and signs of Fisher disease (anal fissures) are:

• Painful or stinging pain with bowel movements
• Burning or itching sensation around the anus during defecation
• Noticeable bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper after a bowel movement
• Muscle spasms in the anal region
• A tiny bump or skin tag located close to the site of the fissure

Who is at the Highest Risk of Developing Fisher Disease?

Several factors make an individual susceptible to developing Fisher disease. Listed below are the individuals who are at a higher risk of developing the disease:

• People who suffer from constipation
• Pregnant women
• Infants and middle-aged individuals
• Low-fiber diet patients
• People affected by sexually transmitted infections
• Patients who have had weight loss surgery

What is the Diagnosis of Fisher Disease?

The diagnosis for Fisher disease or anal fissure is typically as follows:

• Medical History: The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and bowel habits.
• Physical Examination: A physical examination of the anal area will be conducted to identify any fissures.
• Digital Rectal Exam: A lubricated, gloved finger may be gently inserted to feel for fissures inside the anal canal.
• Anoscopy: An anoscope is a narrow tube with a camera that is used to visually examine the anal canal for fissures.

What are the Treatment Options for Fisher Disease?

Fisher disease or anal fissures can be treated with simple but effective treatments such as:

• Sitz Baths: Soaking the buttocks and anal area in warm water helps relieve pain and discomfort.
• Dietary Changes: Including 25 to 35 grams of fiber in your daily diet can help ease constipation and promote the healing of fissures.
• Stool Softeners: These help reduce strain during bowel movements, easing fissure symptoms.
• Topical Creams and Ointments: Applying soothing creams containing ingredients like calamine, aloe vera, zinc oxide, glycerin, and menthol can reduce irritation and pain.

Straining while passing stools, hard stool consistency, and frequent diarrhea are key contributors to Fisher disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing constipation can significantly relieve symptoms. Thus, it is crucial to have health insurance to secure your health and finances during critical times.

At Star Health, our insurance plans offer extensive coverage for a wide range of health conditions, including Fisher disease. We also provide hassle-free cashless claim settlements with over 14,000 network hospitals in India.