About this topic
Proctitis is an illness where the rectum becomes inflamed and swollen. The rectum is the end of the gastrointestinal, or GI, tract. It is a hollow tube where stool passes to leave the body. ‚
What are the causes?
You are more likely to have this illness if you have: ‚
- A bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease
- A sexually-transmitted infection
- Other infections like food borne illnesses
- To take drugs to treat infections
- Radiation therapy to treat cancer
What are the main signs?
- Belly pain, rectal pain, or pain when passing stool
- Your rectum may feel full, even after you have a bowel movement. This may make you feel like you still need to pass stool.
- Constipation
- Mucus or blood coming out of the rectum
- Loose stools
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor will ask about your signs and when they started. You may need to have tests like: ‚
- Blood test
- Stool test
- Rectal culture ¢ ˆ ’ A cotton tip is brushed into the lining of your rectum. This gives the doctor a sample that is grown inside a lab dish.
- Colonoscopy ¢ ˆ ’ A flexible tube with a camera is put into your large bowels
- Biopsy ¢ ˆ ’ A small piece of tissue is taken while you have a colonoscopy
- Tests for sexually-transmitted infections
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Drugs
- Stool softeners
- Food restrictions ¢ ˆ ’ Removes foods in your diet that may be causing the swelling
- Surgery may be done to remove the part of the large bowel affected by proctitis.
- Your doctor may also do treatments to help your signs. Your doctor may order an ablation, which burns the damaged tissues inside the large bowel. This is done by:
- Laser therapy ¢ ˆ ’ Uses a light inside the rectum
- Argon plasma coagulation ¢ ˆ ’ Uses a gas with an electric current
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Low red blood cells from bleeding
- Open sores in your rectum
- Your body may form a fistula. This is an abnormal connection or tube that drains urine and stool.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Your doctor may want you to change your diet for a short time. This may help with the loose stools. ‚
- Stay away from caffeine and foods that are greasy, high in fiber, or sweet.
- Eat soft, bland foods like bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, crackers, cooked carrots, and baked chicken without the skin or fat.
- Eat small meals every few hours instead of 3 big meals.
- Avoid food around bedtime.
- Stay away from foods that might be causing your signs. Take note of the kinds of food and remove them from your diet.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Decrease inflammation
- Make stools softer
- Open the rectum
Will there be any other care needed?
- Take a sitz bath. Sit in 2 to 3 inches of warm water in the tub for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Do this 3 to 4 times a day. Carefully wipe your bottom afterwards.
- Avoid straining while passing stool.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Use a condom when having anal sex. This will help prevent infections in the rectum.
- Limit your number of sex partners.
- Avoid actions that might cause trauma to the rectum or anus. Wear proper gear and protective clothing when taking part in extreme sports and activities.
- If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), stay away from foods that can trigger your signs.
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing house ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/proctitis/ ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/810/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚