Ulcerative proctitis (UP) is a form of ulcerative colitis (UC).
Both are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is poorly understood.
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Treatment for these conditions depends on the severity of the disease.
For ulcerative proctitis, treatment may only involve topical medication applied to the rectum.
Oral corticosteroid medications can ease inflammation in both conditions.
Both are characterized by inflammation in the digestive tract.
Yes, you’re able to have proctitis without having ulcerative colitis.
Proctitis simply means “inflammation of the colon.”
It’s not always brought on by a chronic disease like ulcerative proctitis.
Sometimes, the exact cause of acute proctitis is unknown.
Types of ulcerative colitis include:
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may start slowly or suddenly.
Some people only have mild symptoms.
Others have frequent and severe flare-ups.
Symptoms can include:
People with ulcerative colitis face a higher risk of developing small bowel and colon cancer.
About 27% to 54% of people with ulcerative proctitis eventually develop ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative proctitis symptoms tend to be less widespread compared to those in ulcerative colitis.
They also tend to be more localized to the rectum.
What Triggers Ulcerative Proctitis?
Ulcerative proctitis may be triggered by various factors, but no single cause has been identified.
Family history and an overactive immune system may contribute to its development.
Experts do not believe that stress or eating certain foods cause ulcerative proctitis.
The key diagnostic tool is an examination of the rectum and/or colon.
One of these is the extensiveness of the disease.
The treatments for ulcerative proctitis might be different from those for other diseases affecting more of the colon.
Medications for ulcerative proctitis might be given topically (applied directly to the area being treated).
Treatment options might include:
What Is the Life Expectancy With Ulcerative Proctitis?
Most people with ulcerative proctitis have a full life expectancy.
The underlying cause for either condition is unclear.
Diagnosis for both is made through a history, physical examination, and imaging.
Medications used in treatment are similar, although topical forms may be used for ulcerative proctitis.
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