Ulcerative Proctitis

Ulcerative colitis is a medical condition associated with the inflammation of the large intestine. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease which is characterized by the formation on ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis is classified into subtypes, depending on the location of the inflammation. When the inflammation occurs on the entire length of the colon, the condition is referred to as universal colitis. When the rectum and the sigmoid colon gets inflamed, one is diagnosed with proctosigmoiditis. Ulcerative proctitis is said to occur when the inflammation is only restricted to the rectum. This condition is sometimes referred to as a milder form of ulcerative colitis. At times, inflammation of the rectum might be a precursor to ulcerative colitis, it is therefore important that inflammatory condition be diagnosed and treated soon.

Ulcerative Proctitis

Causes and Symptoms

The reason why the inflammation is restricted to just the rectum has not been determined yet. It is believed that some people might be genetically predisposed to this inflammatory disease. Studies are still going on to find out if the inflammation of the rectum is an immune response to the presence of viruses or antigens. Though the inflammation is restricted to rectum, which is a small part of the colon, but the symptoms can be distressing. Rectal bleeding, rectal pain and a frequent urge to empty the bowel are some of the most common symptoms of this inflammatory condition. One might also feel discomfort after a bowel movement. A sensation of incomplete evacuation of bowel is one of the most common symptoms of this inflammatory bowel disease. Though rectal bleeding is not of such an extent that would require a blood transfusion, one might be in a lot of discomfort during flare ups. One might also experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and mucus discharge.

Treatment

Those who have been experiencing bowel problems, rectal pain or rectal bleeding, must consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. A visual examination of the colon is conducted for diagnosing this condition. A flexible tube called sigmoidoscope is inserted into the rectum to examine the extent of inflammation. Colonoscopy procedure might also be conducted to the rule out other inflammatory bowel diseases. Doctors might also take samples from the inner lining of the bowel and a biopsy will be performed to formulate a diagnosis. Though the patient might not experience the symptoms on a regular basis, but this is a chronic disease, and there could be flare ups any time. It is therefore important that the patient's condition is monitored regularly.

The symptoms of this condition can be managed with the help of non steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, steroids or immunomodulators. Enema or rectal administration of corticosteroids might be recommended sometimes. Doctors might also follow a symptomatic approach when it comes to medicines. If the person is suffering from diarrhea, anti-diarrheal medicines will be prescribed. Besides use of medicines, one might also need to make certain life-style related changes. Following a diet high in fiber will help in regularizing the bowel movements. The patient is also required to refrain from excessive consumption of coffee, alcohol, dairy products, spicy foods, or foods that cause inflammation. If you feel that you experience flare ups every time you consume a particular food, it would be better to exclude it from your diet. If you are not sure about the diet that must be followed, it would be better to consult a dietitian.

If you have been diagnosed with this condition, make sure that you follow the treatment regimen properly. Drug therapy coupled with lifestyle-related changes will definitely help you manage the symptoms of this inflammatory condition successfully.