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Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Bhupinder Anand, MD

Blood in the stool is never normal and any bleeding should prompt a call to a health care practitioner. Bleeding from an anal fissure is minimal, and usually only a few drops of blood are seen in the toilet bowel or when wiping. The blood is not mixed in with the stool.

If there is significant amount of bleeding or if the patient complains of lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or abdominal pain, emergency medical services should be activated (call 911).

The pain of an anal fissure can be quite severe and it is reasonable to contact a care practitioner for advice about the diagnosis and options for pain relief.

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