Proctitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Proctitis is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the lining of your rectum. The rectum is the last part of your large intestine (bowel) that ends at your anus. Your anus is the opening where your stool (bowel movement or BM) passes out. Inflammation of the rectum that reaches the colon is called proctocolitis. Proctitis may be an acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) condition. It may be caused by infections (sexually or non-sexually transmitted), or radiation to the pelvic (hip) area. It may also be caused by food allergies or bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
  
  
• Bleeding, discharge, and pain in your anus or rectum are common signs and symptoms of proctitis. You may have changes in BM habits, such as diarrhea (loose BM's) or constipation (dry, hard stools). You may have problems controlling your BM's, and feel that you cannot fully empty your rectum. Your caregiver may carefully check your anal area and rectum. Tests such as an anoscopy, endoscopy, lab tests, and allergy testing may also be done. Treatment will depend on what the cause of your proctitis is. Treatment may include medicines, diet changes, procedures to stop bleeding, or surgery. With treatment, your symptoms may be relieved and your condition may go away without having more serious problems.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Follow-up visit information:

If you have an STI, you will need to see your caregiver after you finish your treatment. You may also need to return for tests to check for other STI's, including HIV. Repeat tests may be done one or more times after at least one month. Make sure to keep all your appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Preventing proctitis:

• Ask your caregiver about medicines that may help ease your symptoms. If you are having constipation, ask about using fiber supplements. If you are having trouble controlling your BM, ask about stool forming medicines. Ask your caregiver about a good skin care product to use if your anal skin is irritated.
  
  
• If you will have radiation therapy of your pelvic area, ask your caregiver about disease-preventing medicines. These medicines may help prevent you from having proctitis after your therapy.
  
  
• Practice safe sex. Do not have sex with someone who has an STI. This includes having oral or anal sex. Do not have sex while you or your partner is being treated for a STI. Use a latex condom every time you have sex and make sure the condom is worn correctly. Use a new condom or proper barrier (blocking) device with each new sexual act.
  
  
• Regularly see your caregiver for check-ups. If you often change sexual partners, have a regular sexual health check.
  
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Always wash your hands after using the toilet, when working with food, and before and after having sex. Germ-killing hand lotion or gel may also be used to clean your hands when there is no water available. Clean your toilet seats, water taps, and door handles often.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a rash, itching, or swelling after taking your medicine.
  
  
• You have bleeding or pain during or after sex.
  
  
• You have signs and symptoms that are new, do not improve, or are getting worse.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have very bad abdominal or rectal pain that does not go away.
  
  
• You have blood, pus, or a bad smelling discharge coming from your anus or rectum.
  
  
• You have joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, or night sweats.
  
  
• You have genital swelling or pain, or unusual bleeding.
  
  
• Your stools are black or have blood on them.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Proctitis (Aftercare Instructions)