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Proctitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
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Definition:

Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum that causes discomfort, bleeding, and occasionally, a discharge of mucus or pus.

Alternative Names:

Inflammation - rectum; Rectal inflammation

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are many causes of proctitis, but they can be grouped in the following categories:

• Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• Non-sexually transmitted infection
• Autoimmune disease
• Harmful substances

Proctitis caused by STD occurs with high frequency among persons who engage in anal intercourse. STDs that can cause proctitis include gonorrhea , herpes, chlamydia , lymphogranuloma venereum , and amebiasis .

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 the same bacteria that causes strep throat .

Autoimmune proctitis is associated with diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease .

Proctitis may also be caused by certain medications, radiotherapy , and inserting harmful substances into the rectum.

Risk factors include:

• Autoimmune disorders
• High-risk sexual practices such as anal sex

• Review Date: 5/3/2007
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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