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<p>An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.</p>

<h2><a id="1" name="1">Causes</a></h2>

<p>Common causes of anorectal abscess include:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Blocked glands in the anal area</li>
	<li>Infection of an&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001130.htm">anal fissure</a></li>
	<li>Sexually transmitted infection (STD)</li>
	<li>Trauma</li>
</ul>

<p>Deep rectal abscesses may be caused by intestinal disorders such as&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000249.htm">Crohn disease</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000257.htm">diverticulitis</a>.</p>

<p>The following factors increase the risk for an anorectal abscess:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Anal sex</li>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002324.htm">Chemotherapy</a>&nbsp;medicines used to treat cancer</li>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001214.htm">Diabetes</a></li>
	<li>Inflammatory bowel disease (<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000249.htm">Crohn disease</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000250.htm">ulcerative colitis</a>)</li>
	<li>Use of corticosteroid medicines</li>
	<li>Weakened immune system (such as from&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000594.htm">HIV/AIDS</a>)</li>
</ul>

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<p>The condition affects men more than women. The condition may occur in infants and toddlers who are still in diapers and who have a history of anal fissures.</p>

<h2><a id="2" name="2">Symptoms</a></h2>

<p>Common symptoms are swelling around the anus and a constant, throbbing pain with swelling. Pain may be severe with bowel movements, coughing and sitting.</p>

<p><img alt="" src="https://www.zdrav.kz/images/refs3/anabscess.PNG" /></p>

<p>Other symptoms may include:</p>

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003125.htm">Constipation</a></li>
	<li>Discharge of pus from the rectum</li>
	<li>Fatigue,&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003090.htm">fever</a>, night sweats, and chills</li>
	<li>Redness, painful and hardened tissue in the area of the anus</li>
	<li>Tenderness</li>
</ul>

<p>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. There are&nbsp;usually no other symptoms.</p>

<h2><a id="3" name="3">Exams and Tests</a></h2>

<p>A&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007069.htm">rectal examination</a>&nbsp;may confirm an anorectal abscess. A&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003885.htm">proctosigmoidoscopy</a>&nbsp;may be done to rule out other diseases.</p>

<p>In rare cases, a&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003330.htm">CT scan</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003335.htm">MRI</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003336.htm">ultrasound</a>&nbsp;is needed to locate the collection of pus.</p>

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<p><a id="4" name="4">Treatment</a></p>

<p>The problem rarely goes away on its own. Antibiotics alone usually cannot treat an abscess.</p>

<p>Treatment involves surgery to open and drain the abscess.</p>

<ul>
	<li>Surgery is done using local numbing medicine, along with&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007409.htm">medicine to make you sleepy</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007413.htm">Spinal or general anesthesia</a>&nbsp;may be used.</li>
	<li>Surgery is most often an outpatient procedure, which means that you go home on the same day. The surgeon cuts open the abscess and drains the pus.</li>
	<li>If the pus collection is deep, you may need to stay in the hospital until the abscess has completely drained.</li>
	<li>After surgery, you need warm sitz baths (sitting in a tub of warm water). This helps relieve pain, reduce swelling, and make the abscess easier to drain.</li>
</ul>

<p>Drained abscesses are usually left open and no stitches are needed.</p>

<p>The surgeon may prescribe painkillers and antibiotics.</p>

<p>You may need stool softeners. Practice good hygiene. Eat soft or liquid foods until the abscess has healed.</p>

<h2><a id="5" name="5">Outlook (Prognosis)</a></h2>

<p>With prompt treatment, people with this condition usually do well. Infants and toddlers usually recover quickly.</p>

<p>Complications can occur when treatment is delayed.</p>

<h2><a id="6" name="6">Possible Complications</a></h2>

<p>Complications of anorectal abscess may include:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Anal&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002365.htm">fistula</a>&nbsp;(abnormal connection between the anus and another structure)</li>
	<li>Infection that spreads to the blood (<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000666.htm">sepsis</a>)</li>
	<li>Continuing pain</li>
	<li>Problem keeps coming back (recurrence)</li>
	<li>Scars</li>
</ul>

<h2><a id="7" name="7">When to Contact a Medical Professional</a></h2>

<p>Call your provider if you:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Notice rectal discharge, pain, or other symptoms of anorectal abscess</li>
	<li>Have fever, chills, or other new symptoms after being treated for this condition</li>
	<li>Are a diabetic and your blood glucose becomes difficult to control</li>
</ul>

<h2><a id="8" name="8">Prevention</a></h2>

<p>Prevention or prompt treatment of STDs may prevent an anorectal abscess from forming. Use condoms during intercourse, including anal sex, to prevent such infections.</p>

<p>In infants and toddlers, frequent diaper changes and proper cleaning during diaper changes can help prevent both anal fissures and abscesses.</p>

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<p><strong>Source:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001519.htm">https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001519.htm</a></p>
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