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Proctitis
Alternate Names : Inflammation - Rectum, Rectal Inflammation
Definition Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum which causes discomfort, bleeding, and occasionally, a discharge of mucus or pus.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Proctitis is an inflammatory condition involving the anus and rectum. There are many causes of proctitis, but they can be grouped in the following categories:
- Sexually-transmitted disease
- Non-sexually transmitted infection
- Autoimmune disease
- Noxious agents
Proctitis caused by sexually-transmitted disease occurs with high frequency among men and women who engage in anal intercourse. Sexually-transmitted diseases which can cause proctitis include gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, and lymphogranuloma venereum. Amebiasis is another disease which can cause proctitis and can be transmitted by ano-oral sex.
Non-sexually transmitted infections causing proctitis are seen less frequently than STD proctitis. The classical example of non-sexually transmitted infection occurs in children and is caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus, the same organism which causes strep throat. Autoimmune proctitis is associated with diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Proctitis may also be caused by physical agents including chemicals inserted into the rectum, medications and radiation. Radiation proctitis is seen in association with radiotherapy as part of cancer treatment.
Risk factors include high-risk sexual practices such as anal sex, and autoimmune disorders.
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• Definition
• Proctitis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Proctitis Symptoms & Signs
• Proctitis Prevention
• Proctitis Diagnosis & Tests
• Proctitis Treatment
• Proctitis Prognosis
• Proctitis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Amebiasis
• Anemia
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Chlamydia
• Crohn's Disease
• Gonorrhea - Female
• Lymphogranuloma Venereum
• Strep Throat
• Ulcerative Colitis
Tests & Exams
• Rectal Culture
• Sigmoidoscopy
Other Topics
• Bloody or Tarry Stools
• Constipation
• Fistula
• Radiation Therapy
• Tenesmus
Review Date : 10/9/2003
Reviewed By : Christian Stone, M. D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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