What is proctitis, and how is it treated?

Proctitis is a common medical condition in people all over the world. When inflammation arises in the lining of the rectum, the last part of the large intestine just before the anus, it indicates proctitis. It can cause discomfort, pain, and changes in bowel habits. Though this type of sign is alarming, it is treatable, especially when diagnosed early.

In this blog, we will explain what causes proctitis, its common symptoms, and the available treatment options, especially relevant for people in Bangladesh who may be experiencing these symptoms and seeking answers.

What is proctitis, and how is it treated?

What is proctitis?

Proctitis refers to inflammation in the rectal lining. This inflammation can be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). The condition affects people of all ages and can result from infections, autoimmune conditions, or even injury caused by medical treatments like radiation.

Common causes of proctitis

There are a lot of reasons for proctitis. Here, we mentioned some of the common causes of proctitis. Explore now:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are major causes of chronic proctitis.
  • Infections: Some bacteria or protozoa that cause dysentery & diarrhoea, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and syphilis can lead to proctitis.
  • Radiation therapy: People receiving radiation for cancers near the pelvic region may develop radiation proctitis.
  • Antibiotic use: Overuse of antibiotics can disrupt helpful gut bacteria and lead to inflammation by harmful bacteria.
  • Trauma or Injury: Rectal injury from medical procedures or anal intercourse may trigger proctitis.

Symptoms of proctitis

Generally, we have found a variety of symptoms of proctitis. Mainly, the symptoms can vary from person to person, but often include

  • Rectal pain
  • A frequent or continuous feeling of needing to pass stool (tenesmus)
  • Bleeding or discharge from the rectum
  • Mucus in stool
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Painful bowel movements
Symptoms of proctitis

Note: If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially for more than a few days, it’s important to consult with a colorectal surgeon for proper diagnosis.

Diagnosis process of proctitis

We can diagnose proctitis in many ways; generally, a colorectal disease specialist doctor may recommend the following process:

  • Physical examination and medical history
  • Stool tests to check for infections
  • Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to view inflammation
  • Biopsy of the rectal tissue, if needed
  • STD testing, if the infection is suspected to be sexually transmitted

Note: Early diagnosis helps avoid complications and speeds up recovery.

Treatment options for proctitis

The treatment process depends on the patient's condition. Expert colorectal health specialists follow the following process for effective treatment.

1. Antibiotics or Antivirals

If the cause is bacterial or viral, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication. STIs, for example, are treated with targeted antibiotics or antivirals.

2. Anti-inflammatory medications

For IBD-related proctitis, treatment often includes anti-inflammatory drugs like mesalamine (oral or suppository), corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants.

3. Lifestyle and dietary changes

Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, vegetables, and insoluble fibers; these may aggravate symptoms.

4. Radiation proctitis management

For people with radiation-induced proctitis, treatment might include sucralfate enemas, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, argon plasma coagulation, or formalin therapy to reduce bleeding and inflammation.

5. Probiotics and Hydration

Restoring gut health through probiotics and staying hydrated may help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery, especially after infections or antibiotic use.

When to see a doctor?

When to see a doctor for treatment of proctitis?

Early medical intervention can prevent complications such as chronic pain, rectal ulcers, or strictures. Seek medical attention if you have:

  • Persistent rectal pain or bleeding
  • Mucus or pus in your stool
  • Painful bowel movements for several days
  • A history of IBD or radiation therapy and the development of new symptoms

Take advanced care with Dr. Tariq Akhtar Khan

Proctitis might sound scary, but with the right treatment and care, most people recover fully. If you’re in Bangladesh and suspect you have symptoms of proctitis, don’t delay consulting with Dr. Tariq Akhtar Khan, a qualified colorectal specialist in Bangladesh. He provides one of the best treatments and the latest technology to treat proctitis.

FAQ about Proctitis

Proctitis is inflammation of the rectum lining. It often causes symptoms like rectal pain, bleeding, mucus discharge, and a frequent urge to have a bowel movement. Depending on the cause, proctitis can be acute or chronic.

Common causes include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like ulcerative colitis, bacterial or protozoal infection that causes diarrhea or dysentery, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), radiation therapy for cancer, and infections due to poor hygiene or antibiotic overuse.

Doctors typically perform a physical exam, stool tests, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, and may take a tissue biopsy or order STD tests to determine the exact cause of the inflammation.

According to experiences and qualifications, Dr. Tariq Akhtar Khan is one of the best colorectal specialists for proctitis treatment in Bangladesh. You can easily rely on him for modern treatment processes and a patient-centric approach.
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