PROCTITIS

 Basic information

description

Proctitis is an inflammation of the lining of the rectum. It may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). It affects teens and adults of both sexes, but it is more common in adult males.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Rectal and anal pain.
• Constant urge to have a bowel movement, often when little or no stool is present.
• Blood or mucus discharge from the rectum.
• Cramping pain in the left lower abdomen.
• Diarrhea.

causes

The inflammation can be due many conditions that cause infection, irritation, or injury to the rectum. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the most common cause.

risk increases with

• STD (e.g., gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, anal warts, and others).
• Anal or oral-anal intercourse (more so with multiple partners).
• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
• Radiation therapy.
• Bacterial infection not sexually transmitted (e.g., streptococcus, campylobacter, salmonella, and others).
• Rectal injury, rectal drug, or chemical enemas.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), or vasculitis.
• Antibiotic use.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Practice safe sex methods to help prevent an STD. Use condoms. Have sex with only one partner.
• Avoid risk factors where possible.

expected outcomes

The outcome of proctitis depends on the treatment of the underlying cause. Infections can usually be cured with antibiotics. Symptoms of other disorders can be relieved or controlled with treatment.

possible complications

• Tears or constrictions in rectal tissue.
• Fistula (abnormal passageway).
• Rectal ulcer (open sore) or abscess.
• Anemia from chronic bleeding.
• Chronic ulcerative colitis.
• Treatment failure.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam. Medical tests may include blood studies, stool cultures, and tests for sexually transmitted diseases. Diagnostic tests often include use of a telescope-like instrument (e.g., proctoscope or sigmoidoscope) to look inside the rectum and colon.
• Infectious proctitis is usually treated with drug therapy for the underlying cause.
• Radiation proctitis may be treated with ablation therapy. This will destroy abnormal, bleeding tissue.
• Proctitis due to inflammatory bowel disease is treated along with the underlying disorder. This can include drugs, diet changes, and/or surgery.
• Proctitis due to use of an antibiotic drug is treated with drug therapy that destroys the harmful bacteria.
• Keep the anal-rectal area clean. To relieve pain, take sitz baths often. Sit in a tub of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes as often as needed.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe:
  • Antibiotics for sexually transmitted infections, other bacterial infections, or for destroying harmful bacteria.
  • Antivirals for virus infection.
  • Steroids (oral, suppositories, or rectal foam) to reduce inflammation.
  • Iron supplements for anemia.
  • Antidiarrheals for diarrhea.
• You may use nonprescription topical anesthetics to relieve discomfort.

activity

No limits.

diet

• A high-fiber diet may be recommended.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of proctitis, or symptoms recur after treatment.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop.

Special Notes: