Causes of rectal abscess
A rectal abscess is caused by a bacterial infection. As the body
attempts to combat the infection bacteria, white corpuscles and body fluids collect. This forms pus. Rectal abscesses can form near the opening or be much higher up in the rectum.
Risk factors for rectal abscess
Some people are more at risk of developing a rectal abscess. They
are;
People with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease
People who have regular anal sex
People with diabetes
People who have weakened immune systems. This includes people with HIV, people on certain types of mrdications, following bone marrow transplant, the elderly and the
very young.
Signs and symptoms of rectal abscess
Signs and symptoms include;
Treatments for rectal abscess
Surgical drainage. This procedure may require a general anesthetic if
the abscess if located high up in the rectum.
Antibiotics
Medication for pain relief
Warm baths to assist pain relief, and aid drainage of rectal abscess
that are lower down in the anal canal.
Definition of terms of anorectal and perirectal abscesses
Anorectal abscess- an abscess in the anal or rectal area.
Perianal abscess- From the Greek peri- around, and the Latin anus-
lower opening of alimentary canal. Therefore a perianal abscess is an
abscess in the anal area.