What is Proctitis?

Proctitis is the inflammation of the inner surface of the anus and part of the rectum, called the rectal mucosa. Proctitis can be of short duration (acute) or long duration (chronic).

There are many causes of proctitis. It can be a side effect of medical treatments, such as radiotherapy or antibiotics. Diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and sexually transmitted diseases can also cause proctitis. Other causes include injury to the rectum, bacterial infection, allergies, and dysfunction of the rectal nerves.