Proctitis

Alternative names:

inflammation of the rectum; rectum inflammation

Definition:

An inflammation of the rectum causing soreness, bleeding, and occasionally, a discharge of mucus or pus.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Proctitis is an inflammatory condition involving the anus and rectum. There are many causes of proctitis but they can be broken down into several small groups:

• sexually-transmitted disease
• non-sexually transmitted infection
• autoimmune disease
• noxious agents

Sexual disease related proctitis occurs with high frequency among homosexual 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 the proctitis 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 only seen now in association with radiotherapy.

Risk factors include high-risk sexual practices, homosexuality, and autoimmune disorders.