PROCTITIS |
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DESCRIPTIONProctitis is inflammation of the rectum and tissues around the anus. Proctitis affects adolescents and adults of both sexes.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Surgery to remove any underlying tumor.
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 child's rectum.
Cramping pain in the left lower abdomen.
CAUSES
Sexually transmitted infections of gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes.
Chronic constipation.
Ulcerative colitis (early stages).
Cancer of the rectum.
Rectal injury.
Aftereffects of radiation therapy for cancer of the cervix and uterus.
Endocrine disorders.
Bacterial infections, including food poisoning.
Food allergies.
RISK FACTORS
Being a homosexual male.
Use of laxatives.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEInstructions for your child:
To prevent constipation, establish a regular pattern for bowel movements. Eat a diet high in fiber and drink many fluids.
Don't use laxatives regularly.
Don't eat foods to which you are sensitive.
Avoid anal intercourse.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
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 (See Glossary).
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSAnal scarring and stricture (permanent narrowing of the anus).
PROBABLE OUTCOME
The outcome of proctitis depends on the outcome of the underlying cause:
Infections can usually be cured with antibiotics.
Cancer is often curable with surgery.
Food allergies can be minimized if the offending foods are avoided.
Symptoms of other disorders in your child can be relieved or controlled with treatment.
TREATMENT
HOME CAREInstructions for your child:
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
Use non-prescription topical anesthetics to relieve your child's discomfort.
Your doctor may prescribe:
-- Antibiotics for sexually transmitted infections.
-- Steroid suppositories to reduce inflammation from other causes.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET & FLUIDS
Your child should eat a high-fiber diet and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Avoid serving foods to which the child is sensitive.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes, after treatment is complete.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of proctitis, or symptoms recur after treatment.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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