Proctitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Proctitis is a condition where you have inflammation of the lining of your rectum. The rectum is the last part of your large intestine that ends at your anus. If the inflammation continues into your colon, it is called proctolitis. Proctitis may be a short-term or long-term condition.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have severe abdominal or rectal pain that does not go away.
- You have blood, pus, or a foul-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.
Call your doctor if:
- You have bleeding or pain during or after sex.
- You have signs and symptoms that are new, do not improve, or get worse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Antibiotics: This medicine is given if a bacterial infection is causing your proctitis. Take them as directed.
- Antiviral medicine: This medicine is given if a viral infection is causing your proctitis.
- Antiinflammatory medicine: This medicine helps prevent swelling.
- Antiulcer medicine: This is given as a pill, suppository, or enema to coat the bowel and help prevent further damage to the tissues. It may also help with tissue healing.
- Steroids: Steroid medicine helps decrease swelling.
- Steroids may help decrease inflammation.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Prevent proctitis:
- Ask about medicines to ease your symptoms: If you have constipation, ask about fiber supplements. If you have trouble controlling your bowel, ask about stool-forming medicines. Ask about a good skin care product to use if the skin around your anus is irritated.
- Ask about medicines to prevent proctitis: If you are having radiation, 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 oral or anal sex. Do not have sex while you or your partner is being treated for a STI. Use new a latex condom or proper barrier each time you have sex.
- Get regular check-ups: Have a regular sexual health check if you often change sexual partners.
- Wash your hands often: Use soap and water. Use gel hand cleanser when there is no soap and water available. This will prevent the spread of germs. Always wash your hands after you use the toilet, when you work with food, and before and after you have sex. Clean your toilet seats, water taps, and door handles often.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You may need to return for other tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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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.
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