PROCTITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Inflammation of the rectum and tissues around the anus.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Anus; rectum.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adolescents and adults of both sexes, but more common in males around age 30.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Rectal pain.
• Constant urge to have a bowel movement, often when little or no stool is present.
• Blood or mucus discharge from the rectum.
• Cramping pain in the left lower abdomen.

CAUSES

• Gonorrhea.
• Syphilis (usually secondary).
• Herpes simplex.
• Candidiasis.
• Chlamydia.
• Papilloma virus.
• Amebiasis.
• Nonspecific sexually transmitted infection.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Male-to-male sexual activity.
• Use of laxatives.
• Rectal injury, rectal medications.
• Radiation therapy.
• Endocrine disorders.
• Ulcerative colitis (early stages).
• Chronic constipation.
• Cancer of the rectum.
• Food allergy.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Avoid anal intercourse.
• Practice safe sex methods. Unsafe sexual activity may make you more at risk for HIV infection.
• To prevent constipation, establish a regular pattern for bowel movements. Eat a diet high in fiber and drink lots of fluids.
• Don't use laxatives regularly.
• Don't eat foods to which you are sensitive.
• Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and syphilis, must be reported to the local health department to prevent their spread. Information is kept confidential.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as: blood counts; tests for gonorrhea, syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases; and stool cultures.
• Surgical diagnostic procedures such as proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to rule out other disorders (See Glossary for both).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to remove any underlying tumor.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Anal scarring and stricture (permanent narrowing of the anus).

PROBABLE OUTCOME--The outcome of proctitis depends on the treatment of the underlying cause. Infections can usually be cured with antibiotics. Symptoms of other disorders can be relieved or controlled with treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Keep the anal area clean with frequent bathing.
• Take sitz baths often to relieve pain. Sit in a tub of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes as often as necessary.

MEDICATION--

• You may use non-prescription topical anesthetics to relieve discomfort.
• Your doctor may prescribe: Antibiotics for sexually transmitted infections. Acyclovir for herpes simplex infection. Steroid suppositories to reduce inflammation from other causes.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--

• Eat a high-fiber diet.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
• Don't eat foods to which you are sensitive.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of proctitis, or symptoms recur after treatment.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.