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Proctitis

Inflammation - rectum; Rectal inflammation

 

Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum. It can cause discomfort, bleeding, and the discharge of mucus or pus.

Causes

 

There are many causes of proctitis. They can be grouped as follows:

  • Autoimmune disease
  • Harmful substances
  • Non-sexually transmitted infection
  • Sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Proctitis caused by STD is common in people who have anal intercourse. STDs that can cause proctitis include gonorrhea , herpes, chlamydia , and lymphogranuloma venereum .

Infections that are not sexually transmitted are less common than STD proctitis. One type of proctitis not from an STD is an infection in children that is caused by the same bacteria as strep throat.

Autoimmune proctitis is linked to diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease . If the inflammation is in the rectum only, it may come and go or move upward into the large intestine.

Proctitis may also be caused by some medicines, radiotherapy or inserting harmful substances into the rectum.

Risk factors include:

  • Autoimmune disorders
  • High-risk sexual practices such as anal sex

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms include:

  • Bloody stools
  • Constipation
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Rectal discharge, pus
  • Rectal pain or discomfort
  • Tenesmus (pain with bowel movement)

 

Exams and Tests

 

Tests that may be used include:

  • Exam of a stool sample
  • Proctoscopy
  • Rectal culture
  • Sigmoidoscopy

 

Treatment

 

Most of the time, proctitis will go away when the cause of the problem is treated. Antibiotics are used if an infection is causing the problem.

Corticosteroids or mesalamine suppositories may relieve symptoms for some people.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The outcome is good with treatment.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Anal fistula
  • Anemia
  • Recto-vaginal fistula (women)
  • Severe bleeding

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of proctitis.

 

Prevention

 

Safe sex practices may help prevent the spread of the disease.

 

 

References

Coates WC. Disorders of the anorectum. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:chap 96.

Fisher WE. The digestive system. In: Kellerman RD, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2015 . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 8.

Kellerman RD. The sexually transmitted diseases. In: Kellerman RD, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2015 . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 14.

 
  • Digestive system - illustration

    The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

    Digestive system

    illustration

  • Rectum - illustration

    The rectum is the final portion of the large intestine. It empties stool from the body through the anus.

    Rectum

    illustration

    • Digestive system - illustration

      The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

      Digestive system

      illustration

    • Rectum - illustration

      The rectum is the final portion of the large intestine. It empties stool from the body through the anus.

      Rectum

      illustration

    Tests for Proctitis

     

       

      Review Date: 4/20/2015

      Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, Gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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