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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What is the best treatment for proctitis?

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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Do people with proctitis fart a lot?

Proctitis generally does not lead to increased flatulence. Patients with proctitis may experience the passage of mucus-like stools and may have symptoms such as pain around the anus. Patients with proctitis rarely experience increased flatulence and generally do not have mucus, pus, or bloody stools, nor do they cause other symptoms like stomach cold or fever. However, they may experience urgency and tenesmus. Once a patient is diagnosed with proctitis through medical examination, treatment involves the use of mesalamine or sulfasalazine suppositories. In terms of diet, it is advised to consume bland food and avoid spicy and irritating foods. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Difference between colitis and rectal cancer

The differences between proctitis and rectal cancer are that under endoscopy, proctitis can present with patchy congestion, with or without mucus, and unclear vascular patterns. In contrast, rectal cancer can present with a protruding mass, which may have an uneven surface, cauliflower-like changes, and possibly congested erosion, among other conditions. It could also simply be a very superficial lesion, and the texture is often more brittle, possibly involving the entire circumference of the colon, preventing the passage of a colonoscope. Clinically, proctitis may present with symptoms such as increased frequency of bowel movements, incomplete evacuation, and sticky stools that may contain mucus. Rectal cancer, on the other hand, may present with symptoms such as bloody stools, positive fecal occult blood, abdominal pain, etc.

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Treatment of proctitis

Proctitis is relatively common in clinical settings, especially in the department of gastroenterology. It generally presents as abdominal discomfort and abnormal bowel movements. Abdominal discomfort typically manifests as discomfort in the lower left abdomen, and abnormal bowel movements may include increased frequency and looser stool texture. The treatment of proctitis generally falls into two categories: general treatment and medication. General treatment includes maintaining smooth bowel movements, eating smaller meals more frequently, and ensuring that the stool remains soft. For medication, options include oral medications and topical treatments. Oral medications can soften stools, protect the intestinal mucosa, and control inflammation, among other effects. Topical medications may be chosen to protect the intestinal mucosa and prevent itching, and generally, they are quite effective, so patients need not worry too much.

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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.