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Acute colitis caused by caustic products
J da Fonseca1, M J Brito, J Freitas
1Department of Pathology, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|December 22, 1998
Summary
Rectal application of household caustic products like ammonia or lye can cause acute proctocolitis. Both patients recovered with conservative treatment, showing no signs of stenosis despite some tissue changes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Acute proctocolitis is inflammation of the rectum and colon.
- Caustic substances, when misused rectally, pose a risk of severe gastrointestinal injury.
- Domestic products containing ammonia or lye are common household chemicals.
Observation:
- Two women experienced acute proctocolitis after rectal administration of caustic domestic products (ammonia solution and lye).
- Symptoms included intense anal pain, with one patient also presenting abdominal pain, guarding, hematochezia, and leukocytosis.
- Sigmoidoscopy revealed acute proctocolitis in both individuals.
Findings:
- Both patients were managed conservatively with symptomatic measures.
- Clinical and endoscopic recovery was observed in both cases.
- Histological examination showed persistent lamina propria fibrosis, but no stenosis developed.
Implications:
- Accidental or intentional rectal use of caustic household chemicals can lead to acute proctocolitis.
- Conservative management appears effective for this type of injury.
- Long-term monitoring for potential complications like stenosis is warranted, even with initial recovery.