What is ulcerative proctitis?
Ulcerative proctitis refers to a common subcategory of ulcerative colitis, in which bowel inflammation is limited to the rectum. The most common symptom, affecting 90% of patients, is rectal bleeding, sometimes associated with the passage of rectal mucus. Some people have diarrhea, but constipation may occur in up to one-third of patients. Another important symptom is
tenesmus, an uncomfortable sensation of incomplete evacuation--"the urge to have a bowel movement, but nothing comes out." Except for the nuisance or inconvenience of having some of these symptoms, most patients feel well.
Ulcerative colitis that is limited to the rectum. Ulcerative colitis itself is a relatively common disease involving inflammation of the large intestine (the colon). The cause is unknown. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease and has some similarity to a related disorder, Crohn's disease. The end of the colon (the rectum) is always involved in ulcerative colitis. When the inflammation is limited to the rectum, as mentioned, it is called ulcerative proctitis. In ulcerative colitis, the inflammation may extend into the upper parts of the colon. When the entire colon is involved, the terms pancolitis or universal colitis are used.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis include crampy abdominal pain, diarrhea, and intermittent rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis characteristically waxes and wanes. Many patients experience long remissions, even without medication. Ulcerative colitis may mysteriously resolve ("burn out") after a long history of symptoms.
Direct visualization (proctosigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) with sampling of the lining of the bowel is the most accurate diagnostic test. Especially in new cases, infections and other diseases that can mimic ulcerative colitis have to be considered and excluded. Long-standing ulcerative colitis increases the risk for colon cancer. Ulcerative colitis can also be associated with inflammation in joints, spine, skin, eyes, the liver and its bile ducts.
The treatment of ulcerative colitis involves medications and/or surgery. Since inflammatory bowel disease is currently an area of active and productive research, new treatments are anticipated which, it is hoped, will be of value in ulcerative colitis. |
More information on proctitis
What is proctitis? - Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum, called the rectal mucosa. Proctitis can be short term (acute) or long term (chronic).
What is ulcerative proctitis? - Ulcerative proctitis refers to a common subcategory of ulcerative colitis, in which bowel inflammation is limited to the rectum.
What causes proctitis? - Proctitis is caused most often by sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes simplex (genital herpes), candidiasis, and chlamydia.
What're the symptoms of proctitis? - Discharge of blood and mucus and intense pain in the area of the rectum and anus are all signs of proctitis. Other symptoms include cramping, lower back pain.
How is proctitis diagnosed? - Proctitis is diagnosed by a patient history and physical examination. It is confirmed by a proctoscopy.
What're the treatments for proctitis? - In addition to conventional treatments, acupuncture, herbs, and nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, may also provide relief from the symptoms of proctitis.
How to prevent proctitis? - Several steps can be taken to prevent the development of proctitis. Avoiding anal intercourse may prevent proctitis from being spread by sexual transmission. |
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