Presentations may resemble dermatitis or decubitus ulcers in debilitated, bedridden patients. A secondary bacterial infection may be present. Radiation-induced proctitis Early symptoms include tenesmus and diarrhea that resolve shortly after the treatment period. C-reactive protein is elevated in patients with extensive pancolitis but is always normal in patients with distal disease only. Cultures of rectal swabs help diagnose gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Treatment depends upon the etiology.
Antibiotics - Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin binding proteins, causing bacterial growth inhibition. Inhibits protein synthesis and, thus, bacterial growth by binding with the 30S and possibly the 50S ribosomal subunits of susceptible bacteria. It interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis during active multiplication, inhibiting bacterial growth. The usual course of therapy in adults is 3-6 wk.