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Ulcerative Proctitis
Facing frequent urges and rectal bleeding? Ulcerative proctitis could be the cause. A form of ulcerative colitis confined to the rectum, it causes inflammation and sores. In Houston, Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs delivers fast, effective, comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Immune reaction - the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the rectal lining
Family history - having relatives with inflammatory bowel disease raises your risk
Triggers - stress, infections, or certain foods can provoke flare-ups
Age - most diagnoses occur between ages 15 and 35
Lifestyle factors - smoking and some medications may worsen symptoms
Signs and Symptoms
Bright red blood or mucus in your stool
Urgent, frequent need to pass stool (tenesmus)
Mild to moderate cramps in the lower abdomen
Diarrhea that often eases after a bowel movement
Sensation of incomplete evacuation after going
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Ulcerative Proctitis?
Dr. Scott takes time to understand your symptoms through a focused diagnostic process:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He begins by asking about rectal bleeding, urgency, mucus in stool, and bowel habit changes. A physical exam, including a digital rectal exam, helps assess localized inflammation or tenderness near the rectum.
Blood Tests
We evaluate for anemia or systemic inflammation using a complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Stool Tests
Stool studies help exclude infections like C. difficile, parasites, or bacterial causes that may mimic proctitis symptoms.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with Biopsy
Dr. Scott uses this procedure to directly view the rectal mucosa. Biopsy samples confirm inflammation patterns consistent with ulcerative proctitis and rule out other conditions such as infections or ischemia.
Imaging (if needed)
While rarely necessary for isolated proctitis, pelvic MRI may be used in atypical or refractory cases to rule out deeper involvement or alternative diagnoses.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for ulcerative proctitis.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Try a low-residue diet to ease bowel movements
Stay hydrated with plenty of water
Reduce stress through yoga, breathing exercises, or therapy
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to minimize symptoms
2. Medications
5-ASA formulations (mesalamine suppositories and enemas) to reduce inflammation
Short-term corticosteroids for acute flare management
Immunomodulators to calm overactive immune responses
Biologics for moderate-to-severe or refractory cases
3. Minimally Invasive and Advanced Options
Topical treatments administered directly into the rectum
On-site endoscopy for monitoring and assessing mucosal healing
Surgical intervention only in rare, treatment-resistant scenarios
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers a flare-up?
Missing medication, infections, stress, or certain foods can cause a flare.
How long does a flare last?
It can last a few days or several weeks. The right care can shorten the flare.
Is ulcerative colitis the same as Crohn's?
No. Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine only. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract.
Can diet fix ulcerative colitis?
No. Dietary changes help manage symptoms, but medication is needed to treat the underlying inflammation.
What's the difference between 5-ASA and biologics?
5-ASA drugs like mesalamine are for mild to moderate cases. Biologics are stronger therapies reserved for moderate to severe disease or when other treatments fail.
How often do I need a colonoscopy?
Most patients need a surveillance colonoscopy every one to three years to monitor for inflammation-related damage and cancer risk.
Are there new treatments available?
Yes. Dr. Scott offers the latest FDA-approved therapies, including JAK inhibitors and advanced biologic agents.
