Anal abscess (patient information): Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
An anal abscess is a collection of pus in area of the [[anus]] and [[rectum]]. | An anal abscess is a collection of pus in area of the [[anus]] and [[rectum]]. | ||
==What are the symptoms of an | ==What are the symptoms of an Anal abscess?== | ||
The following are all symptoms of an anal abscess | The following are all symptoms of an anal abscess | ||
* [[Constipation]] (may occur) | * [[Constipation]] (may occur) | ||
| Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
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. | 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. | ||
==What are the causes of an | ==What are the causes of an Anal abscess?== | ||
Common causes include: | Common causes include: | ||
* Blocked gland in the area | * Blocked gland in the area | ||
| Line 27: | Line 27: | ||
Deep rectal abscesses may be caused by intestinal disorders such as [[Crohn's disease]] or [[diverticulitis]]. | Deep rectal abscesses may be caused by intestinal disorders such as [[Crohn's disease]] or [[diverticulitis]]. | ||
==Who is at risk for an | ==Who is at risk for an Anal abscess?== | ||
The following factors increase your risk for an anorectal abscess: | The following factors increase your risk for an anorectal abscess: | ||
* [[Anal sex]] | * [[Anal sex]] | ||
| Line 52: | Line 52: | ||
*Anal Fistula | *Anal Fistula | ||
==Where to find medical care for an | ==Where to find medical care for an Anal abscess?== | ||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|yourdisease}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating an Anal abscess] | [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|yourdisease}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating an Anal abscess] | ||
==Prevention of an | ==Prevention of an Anal abscess== | ||
Prevention or prompt treatment sexually transmitted diseases may prevent this cause of anal abscesses. Use condoms during intercourse, including anal sex, to prevent such infections. | Prevention or prompt treatment sexually transmitted diseases may prevent this cause of anal abscesses. Use condoms during intercourse, including anal sex, to prevent such infections. | ||
| Line 82: | Line 82: | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology patient information]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology patient information]] | ||
{{WH}} | {{WH}} | ||
{{WS}} | {{WS}} | ||
Revision as of 19:22, 15 August 2011
|
Anal abscess |
|
Anal abscess On the Web |
|---|
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Meagan Doherty.
Overview
An anal abscess is a collection of pus in area of the anus and rectum.
What are the symptoms of an Anal abscess?
The following are all symptoms of an anal abscess
- 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.
What are the causes of an Anal abscess?
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 disease or diverticulitis.
Who is at risk for an Anal abscess?
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.
Diagnosis
A rectal examination may confirm that you have an anal abscess. A proctosigmoidoscopy may be done to rule out other diseases.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you notice a rectal discharge, symptoms of an anal abscess develop. You should also call if you have fever, chills, or other new symptoms after being treated for this condition.
Treatment options
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.
Diseases with similar symptoms
- Anal Fistula
Where to find medical care for an Anal abscess?
Directions to Hospitals Treating an Anal abscess
Prevention of an Anal abscess
Prevention or prompt treatment sexually transmitted diseases may prevent this cause of anal 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.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
With prompt treatment, a patient usually does well. Infants and toddlers usually recover very quickly.
Possible complications
- Anal fistula
- Body-wide infection
- Recurrence
- Scars