Symptom Finder - Rectal Discharge
Rectal Discharge
A purulent rectal discharge is almost always due to a perirectal abscess. Nevertheless, the physician should examine the base of the spine and skin over the coccyx for a pilonidal sinus or abscess. On rectal examination, pinch the anal tissue between the thumb and forefinger at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions and see if he or she obtains exudates. If the fluid is clear, there is probably a fistula in the anus. Patients with hemorrhoids often complain of a brown discharge, which is simply feces. Of course, the discharge with hemorrhoids is usually bloody and noticed after a bowel movement. The best tool for diagnosis of hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, and fistulae in the anus is an anoscope.
A purulent rectal discharge is almost always due to a perirectal abscess. Nevertheless, the physician should examine the base of the spine and skin over the coccyx for a pilonidal sinus or abscess. On rectal examination, pinch the anal tissue between the thumb and forefinger at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions and see if he or she obtains exudates. If the fluid is clear, there is probably a fistula in the anus. Patients with hemorrhoids often complain of a brown discharge, which is simply feces. Of course, the discharge with hemorrhoids is usually bloody and noticed after a bowel movement. The best tool for diagnosis of hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, and fistulae in the anus is an anoscope.
