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The Mystery of Proctitis: Do You Know What Hidden Symptoms May Signal the Problem?
Proctitis, or anal inflammation, is an inflammation of the lining of the anus and rectum, primarily the last six inches of the rectum. This problem seems simple, but it is often ignored. The hidden symptoms may cause serious physical discomfort and complications.
Common symptoms
The symptoms of proctitis vary, the most common of which include:
A persistent urge to have a bowel movement, which may include a feeling of fullness in the rectum or constipation.
Pain and mild irritation in the anal area.
Severe symptoms may include discharge of pus or blood, along with cramping and pain during bowel movements.
If bleeding is severe, anaemia may develop, which may be reflected in symptoms such as pale skin, irritability, weakness, dizziness, brittle nails and shortness of breath.
Potential CausesProctitis can have a variety of causes. Includes:
- Injuries caused by radiation therapy.
- Sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and syphilis.
- Intestinal problems caused by a gluten-rich diet or gluten intolerance.
For some men, sexual activity involving a sexual partner with an STD is also a significant risk factor.
Sexually transmitted proctitis
For men, infection during sexual intercourse may lead to diseases such as gonorrhea and proctitis, which is the most common cause.
Symptoms of gonorrheal proctitis include anal discomfort, itching, and pus-like discharge.
Proctitis caused by Chlamydia may cause patients to experience varying degrees of symptoms, and some people may not even have any obvious symptoms.
In addition to these, the characteristics of warts and syphilitic proctitis are also very similar. Patients may experience cramps during bowel movements and pain in the anus.
Diagnostic Methods
If you suspect you have proctitis, you should seek professional medical advice. Your doctor will do a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy and may do a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
If necessary, your doctor may also ask you to provide a stool sample to test for the source of infection.
Or to confirm whether you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, your doctor may also use a colonoscopy or calcium gel X-ray to examine other areas of the intestine.
Treatment options
Treatment options for proctitis will vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, doctors will prescribe antibiotics to treat proctitis caused by bacterial infection.
If proctitis is caused by Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, 5-aminosalicylic acid or corticosteroids may be used.
In addition, some patients may require a combination of oral and topical medications to achieve optimal results.
Important life changes
Increasing your fiber intake in your daily life, such as using fiber enhancers (such as metamidine), can also help restore intestinal health and relieve the pain caused by proctitis.
For patients with chronic radiation proctitis, mucosal therapy and vitamin E have also shown good therapeutic effects.
When facing proctitis, patients should not only be aware of the changes in their bodies, but also understand the meaning behind these changes. Are you willing to gain a deeper understanding of your body and correctly interpret those hidden symptoms?
