Causes of Proctitis:
Proctitis is thought to have a variety of possible causes, which can be grouped according to:

• Harmful  substances – which react harmfully with bodily tissues.

• Autoimmune diseases – where the body’s defensive systems are overactive, and attack healthy tissue, for example inflammatory bowel disease known as IBD.  

• Non-sexually transmitted infection – a less common form of proctitis, this is typically seen in children, and caused by bacteria.

• Sexually transmitted disease  - that can include gonorrhoea.

• Side effects – where proctitis is a result of existing medication or treatment, such as radiotherapy.

Testing for Proctitis
There are a number of methods used to test for proctitis:

• Examination of stool sample.

• Rectal culture – laboratory tests to identify organisms that might cause the disease.

• Sigmoidoscopy – using a small tube with a camera to examine the bottom-most end of the bowel.

Treatment
Successful treatment of the underlying cause usually cures the problem. Proctitis caused by infection is usually treated with antibiotics.

Corticosteroids or mesalamine suppositories may relieve symptoms of some patients.

What to expect
Proctitis sufferers can expect a good prognosis with treatment, although this depends upon the cause of the disease.

In some cases proctitis can be associated with complications, such as: Anal fistula, anemia, recto-vaginal fistula (in women) and severe bleeding.

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