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.
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:
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)
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?
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.
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.
Proctitis Treatment by Expert
Get expert care from a BSMMU-certified colorectal surgeon with 15+
years of experience and 8000+ successful surgeries.
Learn how to treat anal fistula permanently in Bangladesh with advanced surgical procedures and minimally invasive techniques for lasting relief. Call now!