5 symptoms of proctitis

The main symptoms of proctitis include blood in the stool, diarrhea, tenesmus, abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements. If the above symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention in time for a clear diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be taken. Depending on the severity of proctitis, it may involve infection, chronic disease or other digestive system problems. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening.

1. Blood in stool

When proctitis causes inflammation or ulceration of the rectal mucosa, ruptured blood vessels may cause blood in the stool. The blood in the stool may be bright red or dark red, and in severe cases may be accompanied by blood clots. It is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible to determine whether it is caused by proctitis or other diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures or rectal cancer. Treatment may include antibiotic therapy such as metronidazole or erythromycin to control infection, or local hemostatic drugs such as intravenous hemocoagulase.

2. Diarrhea

Inflammation of the rectal mucosa can speed up intestinal peristalsis, resulting in frequent loose stools, which may be accompanied by foul odor or mucus. If diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, you need to see a doctor to check for bacterial infection or inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Depending on the specific cause, the doctor may recommend the use of medications such as montmorillonite powder, probiotics or berberine.

3 Tenesmus

Patients with proctitis may experience a strong but small bowel movement due to inflammation of the rectal mucosa. This is due to the false sensation caused by the disorder of nerve signals caused by inflammation. Symptoms can be relieved by taking warm water sitting baths on a daily basis and maintaining a regular diet. If symptoms persist, check for inflammatory diseases and use anti-inflammatory drugs such as sulfasalazine to relieve proctitis.

4. Abdominal pain

The abdominal pain of proctitis usually manifests as dull pain or cramping in the lower abdomen or rectal area. The pain is related to inflammation irritating the intestinal wall. When the abdominal pain is severe, you may need fluid replacement, analgesics such as ibuprofen, or anti-inflammatory drugs for auxiliary treatment. Avoid spicy and high-fat foods to reduce the burden on the intestines.

5. Abnormal bowel movements

The rectal space affected by inflammation may cause abnormal bowel movements such as constipation or a feeling of incomplete defecation, which is often related to improper diet or progression of the disease. It is appropriate to eat fiber-rich foods such as oats and apples to improve stool characteristics, and drink water in moderation. If there is no improvement for a long time, you can consult a doctor whether you need to use drugs such as lactulose or polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder to assist in defecation.

Early proctitis may be relieved by adjusting lifestyle, self-care and medication, but symptoms such as persistent blood in the stool and severe abdominal pain indicate the presence of serious lesions. It is recommended to consult the gastroenterology or anorectal department in a timely manner to determine the cause through colonoscopy and conduct targeted treatment to avoid possible complications.