Proctitis

Inflammation of the rectum, causing soreness and bleeding, sometimes with a mucus and pus discharge. Proctitis commonly occurs as a feature of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or dysentery. In cases where inflammation is confined to the rectum, the cause is often unknown. In male homosexuals, proctitis is sometimes due to gonorrhoea or another sexually transmitted infection. Rare causes include tuberculosis, amoebiasis, and schistosomiasis. Diagnosis is made by proctoscopy. A biopsy is sometimes needed. Treatment of the underlying cause usually clears the problem. Corticosteroid drugs may relieve symptoms.