Perianal Abscess Causes, Signs, Symptoms and Treatments
Perianal abscess also called anorectal abscess or anal abscess is the collection of pus under the skin surrounding anus or rectum. The infection begins in a mucous-secreting gland in the anal canal, which may contain bacteria either from the feces or the skin. The infection caused by perianal abscess produces pus and causes swelling and pain.
Perianal Abscess Causes
Perianal abscess is caused by the infection of different types of bacteria (Like Staphylococcus, Streptococci or E.coli) in the area around the anus and rectum. When this infection is caused in glands it creates a cavity that fills with pus. This cavity swells and causes constant pain. Perianal abscess can cause considerable damage to the nearby tissues and may even lead to fecal incontinence. Some of the common perianal abscess causes include:
- Infection of an anal fissure
- Blocked anal glands and
- Sexually transmitted infections
Certain factors or conditions that can cause perianal abscess or may increase its risk include:
- Chronic constipation
- Weakened immune system
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Engaging in anal sex
- Pregnancy
- AIDS or immunodeficiency disorders like HIV
Perianal abscess can be seen in the toddlers and infants who are still in diapers or those who have a history of anal fissures. In them, perianal abscess appears as a red, swollen, tender lump at the edge of the anus that makes them uncomfortable.
Perianal Abscess Signs and Perianal Abscess Symptoms
The most common perianal abscess symptom is the dull, aching, throbbing pain in the rectal area. The pain generally worsens while walking, sitting, coughing, wheezing, straining or prior to bowel movement. The pain usually lessens after bowel movement. Other signs and symptoms of perianal abscess include:
- Constipation
- Painful or difficult bowel movements
- Unable to sit properly
- Fever and chills
- Lump in the anal area
- Painful, hardened tissue in the perianal area
- Swollen, red, tender at the edge of anus
- Discharge of pus from the rectum
- Swelling or redness around the anus
- Peri-rectal swelling
- Lower abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Urinary retention
Perianal Abscess Treatments
Early perianal abscess treatment is necessary so that the infection doesn't spread to the surrounding areas. The treatment of perianal abscess treatments depends upon the severity of the perianal abscess. Perianal abscess treatments can be given on inpatient or outpatient basis. The perianal abscess treatment options include:
Perianal Abscess Treatment 1: Medications
Pain relievers such as Tylenol, Motrin, Codeine can be given to control the pain and the fever. Laxatives or stool softeners are also prescribed to prevent constipation. Antibiotics may be administered through the veins.
Perianal Abscess Treatment 2: Surgery
Antibiotics or medications alone can't treat perianal abscess. Therefore a surgery is required to drain the pus.
Minor surgery is required to drain the smaller perianal abscesses. This surgery is performed in a doctor's clinic on outpatient basis using local anesthesia. A small incision or a cut is made on the affected area and the pus is drained out. You are allowed to go home immediately after a surgery. You might be given prescription painkillers for some days.
For deeper and larger perianal abscesses, surgery may be done in an operating room by a surgeon. This surgery is performed either by using spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia. A small incision or cut is made on the affected area. The abscess is then opened, drained and removed. It is then covered with gauze for 24-48 hours. Warm sitz baths are recommended every 2-4 hours for relieving pain and swelling, and removing the remaining pus if present. You may have to stay in the hospital overnight or for several days.