Peräsuolentulehdus

Peräsuolentulehdus, also known as proctitis, is inflammation of the lining of the rectum. The rectum is the final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus. Symptoms can include rectal pain, bleeding, a feeling of incomplete bowel movements, and discharge of mucus.

Various factors can cause proctitis. Infections are a common cause, including sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, as well as other bacterial or viral infections. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can also affect the rectum and lead to proctitis. Radiation therapy to the pelvic area, often used to treat cancers in the region, can also cause radiation proctitis. Other less common causes include certain medications, allergies, and ischemia, which is reduced blood flow to the rectal tissue.

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and proctoscopy, a procedure where a small, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum to visualize the lining. Biopsies may be taken for laboratory analysis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Infections are treated with appropriate antibiotics or antiviral medications. For inflammatory bowel diseases, treatment focuses on managing the condition with anti-inflammatory drugs or other immunomodulatory therapies. Radiation proctitis may be managed with medication, dietary changes, or endoscopic treatments.