What is the best treatment for proctitis?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Proctitis mainly refers to chronic inflammatory changes in the rectal mucosa. Its treatment methods mainly include oral anti-inflammatory drugs, local use of anti-inflammatory suppositories or gels, and combined treatment with traditional Chinese medicine retention enemas. Besides pharmacological treatments, dietary control and choices are also very important for patients with proctitis. Patients with proctitis should avoid eating foods that contain irritants, such as chili peppers, seafood, mutton, or other highly irritating foods. It is advisable to eat more Chinese yam and green vegetables. Chinese yam can replenish Qi and enhance the patient's immunity, while green vegetables and fruits can keep the stool lubricated, preventing the stool from becoming too dry and scratching the inflamed mucosa, leading to bleeding and pain.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Symptoms of proctitis

So, what are the common clinical symptoms of proctitis? Since the rectum is close to the anus, the symptoms are primarily manifested as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Some patients experience alternating constipation and diarrhea. Generally, there is often mucus or blood in the stool, and there is usually a burning sensation in the anus during bowel movements. Additionally, due to the irritation from rectal secretions, eczema and itching around the anus can occur. Diagnosing proctitis is relatively easier compared to diagnosing pancolitis. Diagnosis is usually made through sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, and sometimes biopsies are needed for confirmation.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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How to regain weight lost due to colitis

If there are symptoms of body wasting due to colitis, treatment should first be directed at the colitis to control the condition. After controlling the condition, it is possible to reduce symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain, which is conducive to the digestion and absorption of nutrients in food and can help enhance physical fitness. Normally, care should be taken not to overeat or drink excessively. It is okay to eat moderate amounts of eggs, meat, and dairy, but be careful not to eat too much at once, as this can aggravate the symptoms of colitis.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Does proctitis require surgery?

Proctitis is a common clinical disease that can be asymptomatic or can present with recurrent discomfort symptoms such as abnormal stool, displaying characteristics like loose stool texture, increased frequency of defecation, or digestive bleeding accompanied by fresh red blood along with abnormal stool. If there are no specific abdominal symptoms and the stool condition is manageable, generally, surgical treatment is not necessary. Instead, dietary adjustments and rest can be made, including appropriate medication when necessary. Medication options may include suppositories, such as mesalazine suppositories, and oral probiotics for adjustment. Therefore, if there are truly no space-occupying lesions and no issues found in colonoscopy, surgical treatment may not be required for proctitis. It is advised to manage with medication and further adjust with oral probiotics, so there is no need for worry. (Please follow a professional physician's guidance when using medications and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Can I eat pineapple with colitis?

If you have colitis, try to eat less pineapple, as this food is relatively stimulating. Consuming it can irritate the intestinal mucosa, leading to congestion and edema of the intestinal mucosa, and aggravate colitis. Pineapple also has the effect of moisturizing the intestines and facilitating bowel movements, leading to an increase in the frequency of bowel movements which can worsen colitis. Therefore, patients with chronic colitis should pay attention to a light diet, avoid cold melons and fruits, and avoid fruits like pineapple. Bananas can also lubricate the intestines, leading to an increase in bowel movements, so they should also be avoided. Instead, you can eat some warm, easily digestible, and non-irritating foods to the intestines.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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Can you eat garlic with proctitis?

Patients with proctitis can eat garlic, but they should also avoid consuming large amounts of garlic, as excessive garlic can easily irritate the rectum and exacerbate the inflammation. It is recommended that patients with proctitis eat foods that are easy to digest and non-irritating, such as white rice porridge and millet porridge. They should avoid spicy, irritating, and greasy foods. It is also necessary to quit smoking and drinking, and to avoid strong tea and coffee as much as possible. Patients with proctitis can take oral medications to regulate the intestinal flora for treatment; the choice of specific medications should be based on the doctor's clinical experience.