What is Proctitis

Proctitis is swelling and soreness (inflammation) of the lining of the rectum. The rectum is at the end of the large intestine, and it leads to the anus.

The inflammation causes pain and discomfort. It may be a short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic) problem.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

• STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
• Infection.
• Trauma or injury to the anus or rectum.
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease.
• Radiation therapy that is directed near the rectum.
• Antibiotic therapy.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Sudden, uncomfortable, and frequent urge to have a bowel movement.
• Anal pain or rectal pain.
• Pain or cramping in the abdomen.
• Sensation that the rectum is full.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Pus or mucus discharge from the anus.
• Diarrhea or frequent soft, loose stools.
• Constipation.
• Pain with bowel movements.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• A medical history and physical exam.
• Various tests, such as:
  • An STD test.
  • Blood tests.
  • Stool tests.
  • Rectal culture.
  • A procedure to evaluate the anal canal (anoscopy).
  • Procedures to look at the entire large bowel or part of it (colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy).

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the cause. The main goals of treatment are to reduce the symptoms of inflammation and to get rid of any infection. Treatment may include:

• Home remedies and lifestyle changes, such as sitz baths and avoiding food right before bedtime.
• Medicines, such as:
  • Topical ointments, foams, suppositories, or enemas, such as corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories.
  • Antibiotic or antiviral medicines to treat infection or to control harmful bacteria.
  • Medicines to control diarrhea, soften stools, and reduce pain.
  • Medicines to suppress the immune system.
• Nutritional, dietary, or herbal supplements.
• Avoiding the activity that caused rectal trauma.
• Heat or laser therapy for persistent bleeding.
• A dilation procedure to enlarge a narrowed rectum.
• Surgery to repair damaged rectal lining. This is rare.

If your proctitis was caused by an STD, your health care provider may test you for infection again 3 months after treatment.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
• Try to avoid eating right before bedtime.
• Take sitz baths as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms do not improve with treatment.
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have a fever.