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Proctocolitis is inflammation of the rectum and colon caused by sexually transmitted infections or inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment includes medication to kill infectious organisms and reduce inflammation, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Symptoms include pain, bloody stools, and foul-smelling discharge. Early treatment is important to prevent chronic conditions and potential surgery.
Proctocolitis is inflammation involving the rectum and colon and is associated with a number of root causes. Some patients develop this condition due to sexually transmitted infections, while others may experience it in conjunction with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and related conditions. Management of proctocolitis may include medications to kill infectious organisms along with medications to reduce inflammation. In severe chronic forms, surgery sometimes needs to be explored as a treatment option.
In cases associated with sexually transmitted infections, the common causes are Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, although other organisms may also be involved. The patient may experience pain and discomfort, particularly during defecation, and may develop bloody stools as well as a foul-smelling discharge from the rectum. Antibiotic or antiviral drugs can be used to kill the organism and the inflammation should resolve once the infection is no longer active.
Patients with inflammatory conditions involving the intestines may develop proctocolitis as a result of their condition. The colon and rectum may develop ulcerations and patches of inflamed mucous membranes. Usually, the stools are loose and bloody, and the patient may have frequent urges to defecate. Bowel-protective medications may be given to soothe the irritated section of the intestine, and patients may also take anti-inflammatory medications or consider dietary modifications to reduce the stress on the intestines and firm up the stool.
In the chronic forms, patients experience recurrent proctocolitis over a long period of time and resist treatment. This can lead to tissue changes in the intestinal wall as the patient’s inflammation causes chronic sloughing and regrowth of cells. A doctor may recommend surgery to remove the affected part of the intestine for concerns about tumors and other health problems. Surgical options can be invasive and the patient may need to wear a colostomy bag for a period of time after surgery while the bowel recovers.
People who notice bloody, loose, mucous stools should see a doctor. Proctocolitis is one possible cause. Stool samples are usually collected to obtain information about what is happening inside the intestines, and the patient may also be asked for blood samples to check for signs of an underlying inflammatory process. Treatment options are variable and tend to be most effective when given early. Untreated, chronic intestinal conditions can potentially become very serious, and treatment options can be severely limited in cases where sections of the intestine have become very degraded.
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