An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.
Alternative NamesAnal abscess; Rectal abscess; Abscess - anorectal
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCommon causes include:
Deep rectal abscesses may be caused by intestinal disorders such as Crohn's diseaseor diverticulitis.
The following factors increase your risk for an anorectal abscess:
The condition may occur in infants and toddlers who are still in diapers and who have a history of anal fissures.
SymptomsIn infants, the abscess often appears as a swollen, red, tender lump at the edge of the anus. The infant may be fussy from discomfort, but there are generally no other symptoms.
Signs and testsA rectal examination may confirm that you have an anorectal abscess. A proctosigmoidoscopymay be done to rule out other diseases.
TreatmentTreatment involves surgery to drain the abscess.
Warm sitz baths (sitting in a tub of warm water) may help relieve pain and swelling, and may help make the abscess easier to drain.
Your doctor may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics.
Expectations (prognosis)With prompt treatment, a patient usually does well. Infants and toddlers usually recover very quickly.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if you notice a rectal discharge, or if symptoms of an anorectal abscess develop. You should also call if you have fever, chills, or other new symptoms after being treated for this condition.
PreventionPrevention or prompt treatment of sexually transmitted diseases may prevent this cause of anorectal abscesses. Use condoms during intercourse, including anal sex, to prevent such infections.
Frequent diaper changes and proper cleaning during diaper changes will help prevent both anal fissures and perianal abscesses in infants and toddlers.
An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.
Alternative NamesAnal abscess; Rectal abscess; Perirectal abscess; Perianal abscess; anal gland abscess; Abscess - anorectal
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCommon causes of anorectal abscess include:
Deep rectal abscesses may be caused by intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease.
The following factors increase your risk for an anorectal abscess:
The condition may occur in infants and toddlers who are still in diapers and who have a history of anal fissures.
SymptomsSwelling around the anus and a constant, throbbing pain are the most common symptoms. Pain with bowel movements may be severe.
Other symptoms may include:
In infants, the abscess often appears as a swollen, red, tender lump at the edge of the anus. The infant may be fussy and irritable from discomfort, but there are generally no other symptoms.
Signs and testsA rectal examination may confirm that you have an anorectal abscess. A proctosigmoidoscopymay be done to rule out other diseases.
Rarely, you may need a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to determine where the pus collection is located.
TreatmentThe problem rarely goes away on its own. Treatment involves surgery to open and drain the abscess.
Drained abscesses are usually left open and there are no stitches.
Your doctor may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics.
You may need stool softeners. Practice good hygiene and eat a soft or liquid diet until the abscess has healed.
Expectations (prognosis)With prompt treatment, people with this condition usually do well. Infants and toddlers usually recover very quickly.
Complications tend to occur when treatment is delayed.
ComplicationsCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if:
Prevention or prompt treatment of sexually transmitted diseases may prevent this cause of anorectal abscesses. Use condoms during intercourse, including anal sex, to prevent such infections.
Frequent diaper changes and proper cleaning during diaper changes will help prevent both anal fissures and perianal abscesses in infants and toddlers.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/10/2010
Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Treatment for anorectal abscesses consists of cutting the abscess and draining the pus
A blind abscess is an abscess with no external opening.
A Bartholin abscess is an abscess located in the Bartholin's gland.
An abscess behind the tonsils is a retrotonsillar abscess.
Yes, a hematoma can become an abscess. There are several types of hematoma, and a few possibilities as to what kind of abscess can develop. The type of hematoma and the circumstances that drive it to abscess will determine what kind of abscess.
A dental abscess, or tooth abscess, is an accumulation of pus that forms inside the teeth or gums. The abscess typically originates from a bacterial infection, often one that has accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth. There are 3 types of dental abscess:Gingival abscess - the abscess is only in the gum tissue and does not affect the tooth or the periodontal ligament.Periodontal abscess - this abscess starts in the supporting bone tissue structures of the teeth.Periapical abscess - this abscess commences in the soft pulp of the tooth.Visit: Evista dosages online
It depends. It depends on the location of the abscess, the size of the abscess, and the nature of the abscess. Frequently, a dentist will put a patient on a regimen of antibiotics and pain pills for a few days to bring the abscess down so the local anesthetic will be effective.
A cat abscess is the name for an infection that festers under the skin and breaks open. Most abscess's are from cat fights.
you could say what "does abscess mean".
An abscess is not contagious.
A gingival abscess is an infection located specifically in the gum tissue, while a periodontal abscess involves infection that extends deeper into the periodontal ligament and supporting bone structures. Gingival abscesses are usually caused by localized factors like food impaction or trauma, while periodontal abscesses are often related to underlying gum disease.
Feeding the Abscess was created on 2006-10-31.