Proctitis – symptoms

• severe pain in the anus or its surroundings
• itching
• discharge from the anus (purulent, bloody, mucous)
• feeling of frequent pressure

However, proctitis also sometimes occurs asymptomatically.

Proctitis – causes

• venereal diseases (gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia)
• viral, fungal infections
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• complication of treatment e.g. radiotherapy
• long-term use of drugs in rectal form
• allergic factors (e.g. allergy to hygiene products)
• constipation

Recognition

Recognizing the causes of proctitis may not be easy, so with any worrying change you should see a specialist. After conducting a medical interview, the proctologist will conduct a physical examination. Depending on the direction of the diagnosis, the diagnostics are deepened by additional tests, such as: blood test, rectal swab, rectoscopy, colonoscopy.

Treatment

Treatment largely depends on the factor causing proctitis.

Causal treatment – **pharmacological treatment

Preventive treatment – **recommendation of proper hygiene of intimate areas, combating constipation with an appropriate diet rich in fiber, drinking at least 2 liters of water daily.

Inflammation of the anus is a disease that tends to recur, therefore conservative treatment should be applied also after the treatment period.

What are the causes of proctitis*

Rectal inflammation may be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, or mechanical injuries.

What are the symptoms of proctitis*

Symptoms of proctitis include pain, itching, burning, bleeding, and discharge from the rectum. There may also be difficulty with defecation.

How is proctitis treated*

Treatment for proctitis depends on the cause and may include anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, soothing ointments, and changes to diet and hygiene habits. In chronic or severe cases, consultation with a proctologist is necessary.

Proctitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum and anus, the final part of the digestive tract. The disease can occur in both adults and children, but men are most at risk.