Diagnosis and treatment methods for proctitis.
Proctitis is an inflammation of the lining of the rectum and is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Frequent or constant urge to defecate;
- Rectal bleeding;
- Mucus from the rectum;
- Pain in the abdomen (on the left side);
- A feeling of fullness in the rectum;
- Diarrhea;
- Pain and discomfort during bowel movements.
Proctitis often affects patients who have irritable bowel disease. Proctitis can develop due to a sexually transmitted infection. Sometimes proctitis is a side effect of radiation therapy.
The following studies are recommended for diagnosis:
- Blood tests;
- Stool tests;
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy;
- Colonoscopy;
- Tests for sexually transmitted infections.
The course of treatment is individual and depends on the cause.
If proctitis develops due to an infection, antibiotic therapy or antiviral medications are prescribed.
If the cause is irritable bowel disease, medications are prescribed to control rectal inflammation or surgery if drug therapy does not cope with symptoms.
If proctitis is a side effect of radiation therapy, medications are prescribed to reduce bleeding, reduce inflammation, and soften stools.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/proctitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376938
