Pus From the Anus

About the Symptom

Purulent discharge from the anal region is yellow or yellow-white pus from the anus. It is usually the result of an anal abscess which is a painful condition in which a collection of pus develops near the anus. It occurs due to infection of the small anal glands.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Pus from around the anus or anus itself

Possible Causes

Generally, Pus from the anus can be related to:

• Anal Fistula

  This condition involves a tunnel forming between the anus and the surrounding skin. Patients are at risk for recurrent infections, often connected to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease.

• Crohn's Disease

  It is an inflammatory condition of the gut. It is part of a group of diseases known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. It can affect anywhere from the mouth to the anus (end of the bowel).The exact cause is not well known.

• Ulcerative Colitis

  An inflammatory condition of the large intestine that damages the gut wall. The exact cause is not well known.

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Pus from the anus may be related to these serious diseases:

• Perianal Abscess

  A buildup of pus near the anus, more common in patients with diabetes, obesity, or certain conditions causing gut ulcers.

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Do you have pus around or in the anus?
• How long have you had pus from the anus?
• Have you experienced pus from the anus before?
• How has the pus from the anus changed since it started?

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