Rectal Discharge

Overview

The digestive system is made up of many crucial organs, some playing a major role in digesting the food while some with managing and extracting the waste. Two such vital parts of the digestive tract are the rectum and anus. The rectum forms the last part of the large intestine and on average is sized between 10 to 15 centimeters. The primary function of the rectum is to store and release stool/waste. The food when it reaches the rectum is already in a solid waste state, the rectum absorbs the remaining water and electrolytes and extracts the waste. Rectum plays certain crucial roles including,

• Storage: Hold the solidified waste until it’s ready for extraction.
• Absorption: Solidifies the waste by absorbing any leftover water and electrolytes.
• Mucus Secretion: Secretes mucus helping the waste pass through smoothly.
• Triggering: Nerve triggering when the rectum is full & ready for waste extraction.

The solidified waste is further transferred for extraction through the anus, a part through which the waste exits the body. The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract and consists of sphincters that open up when there is a bowel movement.

What is Rectal Discharge?

Rectal discharge also known as anal discharge is a condition in which unusual fluids, mucus, pus, blood, etc come out of the anus. Rectal discharge can be a painful condition with common symptoms like dampness around the anus area, stains on inner wear, pain during bowel movement, abdominal cramps, foul-smelling discharge, and other similar conditions. There are several causes of rectal discharge and it can differ in color consistency and appearance.

Causes of Rectal Discharge

Rectal discharge can be occasional or persistent, can vary in appearance and typically signal underlying health problems. The common causes of rectal discharge include,

• Fissures: Anal fissures are a condition where small tears occur on the lining of the anus due to the passing of hard stools/waste. These small tears lead to blood-streaked discharge and pain during bowel movements.
• Infections: Infections are also a common cause of rectal discharge, usually mucus-like discharge. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, herpes, and gonorrhoea are known to cause pus or mucus discharge.
• Hemorrhoids: Commonly known as Piles, is a painful condition where veins in the rectum or anus get swollen leading to mucus accompanied by fresh blood discharge.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD causes inflammation of the digestive tract leading to excess mucus production leading to discharge either with or without stool.
• Rectal Prolapse: A rare condition usually seen in people aged over 50 years where the rectum wall drops through the anus.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a condition where a group of abdominal issues occurs together causing increased music production.
• Proctitis: A painful condition caused by inflammation of the rectum lining. Proctitis may also lead to mucus, pus, or blood discharge.

What are the Symptoms of Rectal Discharge?

Rectal discharge is a condition in which unusual fluids, mucus, pus, blood, etc come out of the anus. Rectal discharge is an indication of an infection or underlying medical condition. Below are the symptoms associated with rectal discharge:

• Discharge: Visible discharge is the most common and clear symptom of rectal discharge due to underlying medical conditions. Mucus, blood, and pus discharge can be noticed in the inner wears or during bowel movements.
• Itching or Irritation: Mucus, blood or pus discharge leads to dampness around the anus and causes persistent itching and irritation.
• Discomfort & Pain: The most noticeable symptom of rectum discharge is the burning or painful sensation in the anal and rectum area, especially during bowel movements.
• Stool Leakage: Leakage of mucus or stool can occur due to weakening of anal sphincter muscles. These muscles are responsible for holding the waste by staying contracted and preventing leakage, but when these muscles weaken it results in stool leakage.
• Foul Odour: A notable sign of rectal discharge can be an unpleasant smell along with the discharge. This foul odour is usually caused by infections.

What are the Treatments for Rectal Discharge?

Rectal discharge is a symptom of an underlying medical condition and can be caused by varying factors. The way rectal discharge is treated varies according to its cause. A combined approach involving medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery effectively resolves the issues. 

• Medications: Treatment through medication can work effectively on various medical conditions and infections that lead to rectal discharge including, STDs, fungal infections, haemorrhoids, etc.
• Lifestyle Changes: Shifting towards an active lifestyle and adopting healthy dietary changes helps with the treatment and prevention of medical conditions that lead to rectal discharge. Some of the changes to adopt include practising good hygiene such as cleaning the anal area, avoiding irritants like spicy food and alcohol, increasing fibre intake to regulate bowel movements and drinking plenty of water to prevent constipation.
• Surgical Procedure: Depending on the underlying medical condition these can be either minimally invasive or invasive. Both minimally invasive and invasive procedures are possible depending on the underlying medical condition. While minimally invasive surgery can be used to treat haemorrhoids, fistulas, and other similar conditions, invasive surgery is required for certain underlying conditions like prolapse cancer and polyps.

How to Stop Rectal Discharge?

Rectal discharge is caused by underlying medical conditions. Identification and treatment of these issues/medical conditions can help with rectal discharge. Following a comprehensive diagnosis, a specialist can treat these conditions. A combination of medication, surgery and lifestyle modifications can be an effective way to help with rectal discharge.

Preventive Measures for Rectal Discharge:

FAQs Around Rectal Discharge:

Is rectal discharge a symptom of colon cancer?

Yes, rectal discharge can be a symptom of colon cancer. Colon cancer can cause rectal discharge as it irritates the bowel lining, partially blocks the bowel and may cause inflammation.

Is rectal discharge dangerous?

Rectal discharge is caused by underlying medical conditions. The seriousness of rectal discharge depends on its cause. While some underlying conditions are easily treated others necessitate significant medical intervention.