Proctitis

Proctitis General Information

Proctitis represents an inflammation that affects only the last 3 cm (centimeters) of the rectum and the lining of the rectum. It is frequently met in adult males. Usually, this type of medical condition is caused by STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), although it can sometimes be determined by non-sexually transmitted infections or by inflammatory bowel disorders. Some auto-immune disorders of the patient’s colon, for example ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, trauma to the ano-rectal area, exposure to certain chemicals, foreign objects introduced in the rectum or harmful chemical agents may have lead to the development of this type of inflammation. Most men who get this disease had previously engaged in oral-anal or anal intercourse and had multiple partners. People who get Proctitis may have used antibiotics or may followed radiation therapy (for prostate cancer or for cervical cancer), as well as other types of medical treatments. In some rarer cases, an idiopathic form of the disease may appear (when the disease appears independently). Recent studies revealed that Proctitis may have connection with intolerance to gluten or may be linked to stressful situations. This type of inflammation presents various stages, from mild to chronic ones. With the proper treatment and if it is discovered in time, the rectal disorder may cure rapidly, in a short period of time. Most types of this medical condition can be cleared up with a treatment that depends on what caused the inflammation.

Proctitis Symptoms

Proctitis, as any other type of medical condition presents certain signs and symptoms that differentiate it from other similar disorders. In this part of our presentation, we try to inform you about the main characteristics this disorder has. It is absolutely necessary that you familiarize with the disease you suspect that you are suffering from. If you feel you need more information than we offer you, we recommend you to seek for medical advice. The main signs and symptoms specific for this type of inflammation are experienced by the majority of patients, although there were persons who accused unique and particular manifestations. Usually, the symptoms are various and range from mild to severe ones, and include the following: bleeding in the rectal region, feeling of rectal fullness, pain felt in the anal and rectal area, continuous or frequent urge to have a bowel movement, pain with bowel movements, passing mucus through the rectum, pain felt in the lower left region of your abdomen and frequent diarrhea, but in small quantities. Mild irritation or tenderness in the anal and rectum region may appear. If the bleeding is severe, anemia may be caused, showing specific signs such as weakness, irritability, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath or brittle nails. The signs and symptoms of Proctitis vary depending on the cause (if the inflammation is caused by sexually transmitted disorders, for example gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis or herpes simplex). Not treated in time, Proctitis may cause several complications: fistulas, anemia or ulcers that could affect the patient’s quality of life.

Proctitis Treatment

You could easily prevent getting this type of inflammation by having safer sexual practices (condom use or monogamous sex) that will protect you from getting STDs (sexual transmitted diseases). Proctitis is a delicate medical disorder that requires special medical attention. We strongly recommend you to visit your health care provider as soon as you start experiencing any of the signs and symptoms we have listed here. As soon as you receive an adequate medical treatment, your chances for a full recovery are greater. You must have always in mind that, as any other disease that is not treated in time, Proctitis too can provoke severe complications that could threaten the patient’s life. If you know you have a high-risk sexual behavior and if you present some of the symptoms specific for Proctitis, contact medical attendance.

Dehydration from diarrhea and severe anemia from the massive bleeding require immediate medical help. The health care provider will first ask you about any signs and symptoms that you experience, about your personal and family medical history and about your sexual history and behavior. A physical exam will be followed by several tests that include blood test, colonoscopy, and STD screening or flexible sigmoidoscopy. If all these tests reveal the fact that you suffer from Proctitis, then your health care provider will proceed immediately with the proper treatment. The treatment option for this type of inflammation depends on the cause. In the case of the infectious form of this condition, the health care provider will prescribe you medicines. The antibiotics are given for bacterial STDs and the main choices would be Flagyl (metronidazole) and Vancocin (Vancomycin) that can destroy any harmful bacteria.

Antivirals are administrated in the case of herpes, for example Zovirax (Acyclovir), in the first two days in order to relieve the pain and to shorten the duration of the symptoms. If this type of inflammation that affects the rectum – Proctitis, is a side effect of radiations, the treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. If they are mild, there would be no need for a specific treatment. In more severe cases (that usually involve bleeding), iron supplements and ablation therapy are the main treatment option. If the patient follows a therapy with iron supplements, his iron levels may be restored to normal and the anemia reduced. If the supplementation with iron is not enough, then the patient may need ablation therapy. This type of therapy includes several techniques that destroy the unusual bleeding tissue and improves the symptoms. Some of these techniques are: APC (argon plasma coagulation) and laser therapy. In the case of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, anti-diarrheals, anti-inflammatory medication and surgery may be the basis. The best anti-inflammatory medicines are: Asacol, Rowasa (Mesalamines) or Azulfidine (sulfasalazine) prescribed in suppository, pill or enema form. Some very commonly used anti-diarrheals are: Metamucil (as Psyllium powder) or Citrucel (methylcellulose) that will add bulk to the stool along with Imodium (Ioperamide) or Lomotil (a combination of Atropine and Diphenoxylate).