Rectal Discharge: Causes

What causes rectal discharge?

Rectal discharge can occur for many reasons including anal fissure, anal abscess or fistula, other infections, or chronic diseases.

Common causes of rectal discharge

Common causes of rectal discharge include:

• Anal fissure
• Fecal impaction
• Food intolerance
• Gastroenteritis (bacterial and viral)
• Medication side effects from medications such as orlistat (Alli)

Serious or life-threatening causes of rectal discharge

Serious or life-threatening causes of rectal discharge include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Neurological damage
• Perirectal or perianal abscess
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Questions for diagnosing the cause of rectal discharge

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care provider will ask you several questions related to your rectal discharge including:

• When did you first notice your rectal discharge?
• What foods are in your diet?
• Do you have any other symptoms?
• What medications are you taking?

What are the potential complications of rectal discharge?

Because rectal discharge can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care provider design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:

• Embarrassment
• Inability to participate normally in activities
• Severe discomfort or pain
• Spread of infection
• Worsening of inflammatory bowel disease
• Worsening of sexually transmitted disease

References:

Rectal problems. American College of Gastroenterology. http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/women/rectal.asp. Accessed May 11, 2011.

Fecal Incontinence. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/fecalincontinence/. Accessed May 11, 2011.