Proctitis
Proctitis is inflammation of the rectum's lining, which can cause symptoms like rectal pain, bleeding, and a constant urge to have a bowel movement. It can be caused by various factors, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or radiation therapy, and can be either acute or chronic.
What is Proctitis?
- Proctitis refers to the inflammation of the lining of the rectum, the lower part of the large intestine that connects the colon to the anus.
- It can be either an acute (sudden and short-lived) or chronic (long-lasting) condition.
- The rectum is a muscular tube that stores stool before it's eliminated from the body.
Causes of Proctitis:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the rectum, leading to proctitis.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain STIs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes, can infect the rectum and cause inflammation.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatment for certain cancers, particularly those affecting the rectum or nearby areas, can lead to proctitis as a side effect.
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can also cause proctitis.
- Other Factors: In some cases, proctitis can be caused by irritants, medications, or inserting foreign objects into the rectum.
Symptoms of Proctitis:
- Rectal pain or discomfort
- Rectal bleeding or spotting
- Rectal discharge (mucus or pus)
- A constant or frequent urge to have a bowel movement (tenesmus)
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
- Pain or itching around the anus
- Fever
Diagnosis of Proctitis:
- A physical exam, including a rectal exam, may be performed.
- Medical history and a review of symptoms are important.
- Diagnostic tests may include:
- Stool tests to check for infections
- Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to visualize the rectum and colon
- Biopsy to examine tissue samples
Treatment of Proctitis:
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the proctitis.
- For IBD-related proctitis: Medications to reduce inflammation, such as anti-inflammatory drugs (like mesalamine) or corticosteroids, may be prescribed.
- For STI-related proctitis: Antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection may be used.
- For radiation-induced proctitis: Medications to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation may be prescribed.
- In some cases, surgery may be necessary .