What are the symptoms of colitis?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Proctitis is an inflammation that occurs in the mucosa of the rectum. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, a feeling of heaviness around the anus, and urgency followed by a sensation of incomplete evacuation. More severe inflammation can also lead to the presence of mucus and bloody pus in the stool. Bleeding from the rectum is another typical symptom, with the amount of bleeding related to the severity of the inflammation. Severe inflammation can directly cause pain in the anus and rectum. Abdominal pain and diarrhea may alternate, and long-term proctitis can also lead to loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, nausea, and vomiting. It is necessary to promptly perform a colonoscopy to understand the severity of the lesions and actively provide symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Will rectal inflammation make it painful to defecate?

Whether defecation causes anal pain in proctitis requires specific analysis. If the symptoms of proctitis are mild, defecation might not necessarily result in anal pain. If proctitis is accompanied by ulcers or infections, resulting in severe inflammation of the rectum, and if there are also anal fissures, defecation might cause anal pain. Regarding the severity of proctitis, it’s important to promptly conduct thorough examinations such as a digital rectal exam or an anoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, and adopt appropriate treatment measures based on the severity.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is prolonged sitting harmful to proctitis?

Prolonged sitting does not significantly harm proctitis, but if a patient sits for extended periods, it might lead to the occurrence of hemorrhoids. Therefore, it is generally advised not to sit for too long and to engage in appropriate amounts of exercise, adopting a balanced approach to physical activity. Patients with proctitis may experience symptoms like mucoid stools, purulent stools, bloody stools, and a sensation of incomplete evacuation after defecation. Therefore, in terms of diet, it is recommended not to consume overly spicy or stimulating foods. Instead, opt for foods that are easy to digest and bland. Treatment can include the use of medications such as mesalazine or sulfasalazine.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Why is it difficult to pass gas with proctitis?

When the condition of proctitis is severe, it will manifest as local congestion and swelling of the anus, causing a noticeable sensation of prolapse which affects gas and stool passage. It is important for those with proctitis to pay attention to a bland diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, onions, raw scallions, raw ginger, and raw garlic, as these can exacerbate the condition. Normally, it is important to ensure smooth bowel movements, consume more green vegetables and fruits with roughage, and exercise more to promote gastrointestinal motility, alleviate constipation, and relieve dry stools. If the proctitis is severe, mesalazine suppositories can be used for administering medicine inside the anus, and Recuperation New Liquid can be used for enema to protect the intestinal mucosa. It is also important to maintain hygiene and cleanliness, and warm water or potassium permanganate sitz baths can be utilized. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication use.)

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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
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What will happen if rectitis gets worse?

If proctitis worsens, it should be treated promptly through surgery. Surgical removal can help prevent spread and prolong life. After surgery, it is also necessary to kill cancer cells through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. If proctitis is not properly managed, frequent recurrences can lead to erosion and even ulcers, which can easily become cancerous. Therefore, regular follow-up colonoscopies are essential to monitor changes in the condition and assess whether there is a high or low chance of deterioration. After surgery, attention should also be paid to a bland diet, avoiding irritant foods.