What is rectal inflammation, and how does it develop?
Rectal inflammation, or proctitis, is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum. Various factors might be behind rectal inflammation. In many cases, an underlying disease triggers the inflammation, such as the inflammation of the large intestine (Chron disease, colitis ulcerosa), but even sexually transmitted diseases can cause it. In the latter case, the pathogens get onto the mucous membrane of the rectum via sexual intercourse, and sticking there, might cause inflammation. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia infection of the rectum, and herpes-induced rectal inflammation are all transmitted sexually. Syphilis and lymphogranuloma venereum can also appear in the form of rectal inflammation.
Rectal inflammation can also develop due to antibiotic therapy. The disease can also affect patients whose immune system is weakened, and diabetes and stress are also among the possible triggering factors.
What are the symptoms of rectal inflammation?
A typical symptom of rectal inflammation is bloody and mucous passing of stool. Depending on the reason behind the disease, rectal pain and painful passing of stool can also occur.
How can rectal inflammation be diagnosed and treated?
In order to make the diagnosis, the proctologist specialist does anoscopic, then rectoscopic examination, during which they thoroughly observe the mucous membrane of the affected area. Other examinations include taking a sample from the excretion, thus making it possible to identify the bacterium, virus, or fungus that causes the complaints. If the origin of the inflammation cannot be identified otherwise, even histological examination can be done in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
The treatment of rectal inflammation begins based on the results of the examinations, depending on the cause of the inflammation. We usually use creams, suppositories, or medications for the treatment, which can happen with antibiotics, antiviral medications, or anti-inflammatory medications, among other things.
If the symptoms do not subside after the treatment with medication, the surgical removal of the injured area might become necessary.
Following the treatment, the disease disappears in a number of cases, while there are patients who have the symptoms for a chronically long time, and require a lengthy therapy.
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