Rectal discharge

Rectal discharge is intermittent or continuous expression of liquid from the anus (per rectum). Normal rectal mucus is needed for proper excretion of waste. Otherwise, this is closely related to types of fecal incontinence (e.g., fecal leakage) but the term rectal discharge does not necessarily imply degrees of incontinence. Types of fecal incontinence that produce a liquid leakage could be thought of as a type of rectal discharge. Different types of discharge are described. Generally "rectal discharge" refers to either a mucous or purulent discharge, but, depending upon what definition of rectal discharge is used, the following could be included: Purulent rectal discharge Mucous rectal discharge Watery rectal discharge Steatorrhoea ("fatty diarrhea" caused by excess fat in stools, or an oily anal leakage) Keriorrhea (orange oily anal leakage caused by high levels of escolar and oilfish in the diet) Rectal bleeding, melena and hematochezia Feculent rectal discharge (fecal rectal discharge), e.g. fecal leakage, encopresis and incontinence of liquid stool elements Diarrhea There are many different types of rectal discharge, but the most common presentation of a discharge is passage of mucus or pus wrapped around an otherwise normal bowel movement. Rectal discharge has many causes, and may present with other symptoms: Staining of undergarments Constant feeling of dampness around anus Frequent urge to open bowels, but passage of only small amounts of mucus or pus-like liquid rather than normal feces Rectal pain Rectal malodor, when the discharge is foul-smelling, e.g. associated with certain infections Pruritus ani Rectal bleeding Perianal erythema, swelling and tenderness Pus usually indicates infection. Frequently medical sources do not differentiate between the two types of discharge, instead using the general term mucopurulent discharge, which, strictly speaking, should only be used to refer to a discharge that contains both mucus and pus. Purulent discharges may be blood-streaked.