answersLogoWhite

0

Definition

An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.

Alternative Names

Anal abscess; Rectal abscess; Abscess - anorectal

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Common causes include:

  • Blocked gland in the area
  • Infection of an anal fissure
  • Sexually transmitted infection

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:

  • Anal sex
  • Diabetes
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
  • Weakened immune system

The condition may occur in infants and toddlers who are still in diapers and who have a history of anal fissures.

Symptoms
  • Constipation(may occur)
  • Discharge of pus from the rectum
  • Fever
  • Lump or nodule, swollen, red, tender at edge of anus
  • Pain associated with bowel movements
  • Painful, hardened tissue

In 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 tests

A rectal examination may confirm that you have an anorectal abscess. A proctosigmoidoscopymay be done to rule out other diseases.

Treatment

Treatment 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.

Complications
  • Anal fistula
  • Body-wide infection
  • Problem keeps coming back (recurrence)
  • Scars
Calling your health care provider

Call 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.

Prevention

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How are anorectal abscesses cured?

Treatment for anorectal abscesses consists of cutting the abscess and draining the pus


What is a blind abscess?

A blind abscess is an abscess with no external opening.


What is a Bartholin abscess?

A Bartholin abscess is an abscess located in the Bartholin's gland.


What is the medical term meaning an abscess behind the tonsils?

An abscess behind the tonsils is a retrotonsillar abscess.


Can a hematoma become an 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.


What is an 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


Can a dental abscess be deadened with novocaine?

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.


What is a cat abscess?

A cat abscess is the name for an infection that festers under the skin and breaks open. Most abscess's are from cat fights.


How long is a horse contageous after the abscess dries up?

An abscess is not contagious.


What sentence can you put the word abscess in?

you could say what "does abscess mean".


What is the difference between gingival abscess and periodontal abscess?

The difference between a gingival abscess and a periodontal abscess is that a gingival abscess is only in the soft gum tissue while a periodontal abscess extends into all of the gum tissue. A periodontal abscess can affect the roots of a tooth.


What is a sentence with the word abscess?

I got a big abscess on my hand that is growing large.