What should I do if colitis always causes flatulence?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on June 26, 2025
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Proctitis often causes flatulence which may be due to consuming foods that easily produce gas, or it could be due to poor digestion caused by inflammation of the rectum. At this time, you can consider taking some oral medications for treatment, such as oral drugs that regulate intestinal flora including Bacillus cereus and composite lactic acid bacteria, etc. The specific choice of medication should follow medical advice. Additionally, patients with proctitis should also pay extra attention to their diet and avoid spicy and stimulating foods as well as overly coarse foods. Foods and drinks like strong tea, coffee, strong alcohol, chili peppers, and mustard should be avoided as much as possible. It is advisable to eat light, easily digestible foods in small, frequent meals.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Is the infusion effective for proctitis?

The rectum is located near the anus, thus it is at the exit end of the human body. If there is inflammation in the rectum, venous infusion can be considered. However, since venous infusion enters the body through the blood and then into the rectum, the absorption by the rectum is somewhat poor. For actual rectal inflammation, rectal suppositories or enemas can be used for treatment. Both Chinese and Western medicines offer corresponding symptomatic drugs for treatment. Rectal infusion is only temporary; the main treatment strategy is still the use of suppositories or enemas, which tend to be more effective because they directly target the intestine, allowing for fuller absorption. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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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.

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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 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 Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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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.