Proctitis Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Complications
Proctitis is the inflammation of the rectum's lining that can cause discomfort, bleeding, and an urgent need to eliminate. Explore causes, symptoms, treatment, and more details about Proctitis here.
Dr. Nivedita4 Apr, 2024
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Proctitis is a health issue caused by the inflammation of the inner lining of the rectum, which is a muscular part of the body attached to the end of the colon via which stool exits the body. Persons suffering from proctitis may experience rectal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and the constant need to go to the bathroom. Proctitis symptoms can occur for a short period, or they may develop into a persistent problem. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of proctitis to update you with relevant details.
What is Proctitis?
Inflammation inside your rectum is known as proctitis. "Procto" denotes the rectum, whereas "itis" means inflammation. Proctitis can be acute and short-lived, or it can be chronic and long-lasting. It can be of different types depending on the underlying cause of the inflammation, which also determines the nature and intensity of the symptoms. Proctitis must be treated appropriately to ensure relief and avoid further complications.Symptoms of Proctitis
The symptoms of proctitis can differ based on the underlying reason, but the most typical sign is the feeling that you need to defecate. It's a very uncomfortable sensation that won't go away even after the person uses the lavatory. The other significant proctitis symptoms are as follows:- Rectal bleeding
- Discharge of mucus through the rectum
- Pain in the rectum or anus
- Pain on the left side of the abdomen
- A feeling of pressure in the rectum
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Pain during bowel movements
Causes of Proctitis
Different conditions can cause inflammation in the rectum, leading to proctitis. The primary causes include the following:- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Rectal inflammation is observed in about 30% of patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, which includes ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI): Proctitis can be caused by sexually transmitted infections, which are primarily transferred through anal sex partners. Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes can result in proctitis.
- Radiation therapy for cancer: Cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy aimed at the pelvic area or lower abdomen can develop inflammation in the rectum. This complication can persist for several months after the completion of the radiotherapy, or it can happen years after the treatment.
- Antibiotics : Sometimes, strong antibiotics used for treating an illness may kill beneficial bacteria in the bowels, which permits the dangerous Clostridium difficile bacteria to grow in the rectum.
- Diversion proctitis : After certain types of colon surgery, when the path of the bowels is diverted from the rectum to a surgically produced aperture (stoma), there are possibilities that patients may develop proctitis.
- Food protein allergies: Proctitis can happen in babies allergic to specific food proteins, typically soy or dairy milk, by causing intestinal inflammation, including the rectum.
- Eosinophilic proctitis : This disorder develops when the rectum's lining suffers inflammation due to the unusually high supply of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.
- Ischemic proctitis: This problem can arise from a blockage of the blood supply to the lower abdomen, depriving the tissues of oxygen and causing inflammation.
Diagnosis of Proctitis
A physician will inquire about the patient's symptoms and when they have been facing the issues. They may also want to gather information about the individual's medical history and past sexual activities. To look for indications of infection, doctors could advise specific tests to examine the physical condition of the rectum and diagnose the signs of proctitis. The following tests and procedures can make a proctitis diagnosis:- Blood examinations: These tests are conducted to identify infections or blood loss.
- Stool analysis : A stool test may help doctors identify bleeding or bacterial infection in the bowels.
- Tests for sexually transmitted infections : For these tests, a sample of discharge from your rectum or the urethra must be obtained.
- Colonoscopy/proctoscopy involves examining the colon using a thin, flexible tube with an attached camera or light to view the inside of the colon for any abnormalities. If required, the doctor may collect tissues for lab examination.
Treatments for Proctitis
The treatment procedures for proctitis will depend on the causes of the inflammation in the rectum. More direct therapies for proctitis may be necessary in cases of acute inflammation. People suffering from chronic proctitis disorders may need comprehensive long-term medical treatment, including dietary and lifestyle modifications. Effective medical treatment procedures involve the following approaches:Treatment for infection-related proctitis
To cure your infection, your doctor suggests taking antibiotics or antivirals if bacterial or viral infections cause the proctitis.Treatment for radiation-induced proctitis
Radiation-related proctitis that can result in severe pain or bleeding needs medical attention. The physician often suggests medication as an enema, suppository, or tablet. These drugs can lessen bleeding and help regulate inflammation.Treatment for destroying damaged tissues
This therapy aims at controlling proctitis symptoms by removing abnormal tissues in the rectum that cause bleeding.Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease-related proctitis
Treating proctitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease is to lessen the rectal inflammation by administering drugs in an enema, suppository, or oral form.Surgical Procedures
In cases of more complications and poor medication response, a physician can suggest surgery to remove an infected section of your digestive tract.Complications Associated with Proctitis
If not treated timely or effectively, proctitis can lead to the following complications:- Anemia: It can happen due to frequent bleeding from the rectum. In addition to weakness, anemia can make you pale, cause headaches, and cause shortness of breath.
- Ulcers: On the internal lining of the rectum, open sores (ulcers) can develop due to chronic inflammation.
- Fistulas: A fistula can result from ulcers extending through the intestinal wall.
Proctitis FAQs
What is the typical age at which eosinophilic proctitis affects children?
Children below the age of 2 years typically get affected by eosinophilic proctitis.
What is the difference between proctitis and colitis?
Proctitis is a health issue caused exclusively by rectum inflammation, whereas the entire colon and rectum suffer inflammation in colitis.
What type of diet is advised for patients suffering from proctitis?
A bland, soft, non-spicy diet is recommended that can relieve proctitis pain during bowel movements. It is also advised to take enough fluids but avoid caffeinated drinks.
What is an anoscopy for the diagnosis of proctitis?
An anoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses an anoscope to look inside your anus and lower rectum for indications of injury or inflammation.
Can radiation therapy cause proctitis even after the completion of radiation treatment for cancer?
The problem of proctitis may develop a few months or years after the radiation treatment is over.
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