Proctitis (synonyms: rectitis; rectal inflammation; ulcerative proctitis; chronic ulcerative proctitis; proctitis ulcerosa; radiation proctitis; infectious proctitis) is an inflammation of the rectum or rectal mucosa that is usually also accompanied by pain. The last 15-20 cm of the rectum (rectum) are affected, often also the anus (anus).
Proctitis can occur in the context of infectious diseases, especially venereal diseases (the most common cause), chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, as well as allergic or toxic reactions. Other possible causes include trauma or radiatio (radiation therapy) (see under “Causes/Aetiology”).
According to the cause, the following forms of proctitis can be distinguished:
- Ulcerative (chronic) proctitis – ICD-10 K51.2
- Radiation proctitis – ICD-10 K62.7
- Other specified diseases of the anus and rectum – ICD-10 K62.8 (proctitis not specified).
Sex ratio: proctitis resulting from unprotected anal intercourse/anal sex primarily affects homosexual men.
Course and prognosis: Although proctitis is associated with a lot of shame for most sufferers, to avoid complications, a doctor should be consulted as early as possible. The prognosis is then usually good. However, if the visit to the doctor is delayed, the proctitis can become chronic and persist for months and years.In the early stages, proctitis is almost symptom-free. The further course depends on the cause and can be mild or full of complications. If proctitis occurs as an allergic reaction, it usually heals on its own if the allergen is consistently avoided. Radiation proctitis also does not require therapy in most cases.
