Fact Checked
Proctitis is the inflammation of the lining of the rectum which is the end part of the large intestines where stool passes. This condition causes soreness, bleeding, pain, mucus discharge or pus. Proctitis can be chronic or acute and when the inflammation spreads beyond the rectum is called proctocolitis.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sci8GGsFJwM” width=”220″]Proctitis is common in people with inflammatory bowel diseases, a side effect of radiation therapy and sexually transmitted infection.
Symptoms of proctitis
- Rectal bleeding and pain
- A frequent feeling to have a bowel movement
- Mucus passing out of the rectum
- Pain during bowel movements
- Diarrhea
- A feeling of fullness felt in the rectum
- Pain can be felt on the left side of the abdomen
Causes
- Proctitis can be caused by inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Sexually transmitted infections such as genital herpes, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- Radiation therapy directly on the rectum and neighboring areas such as the prostate can cause inflammation of the lining of the rectum.
- Sometimes, antibiotics eliminate helpful bacteria found in the bowels and allow the harmful Clostridium difficile bacteria to grow in the rectum.
- Proctitis can develop among infants consuming cow’s milk or soy-based formula and breastfeeding mothers consuming dairy products.
Treatment
- Stick with a soft, bland diet to lessen the pain caused by proctitis. Avoid spicy, acidic and fatty foods when suffering from diarrhea.
- Drink plenty of fluids at least 6-8 filtered water every day and avoid caffeinated soda, teas and coffee. Drinking plenty of water makes the bowel movement easier and also prevents dehydration from diarrhea.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter diarrhea medications.
- Avoid eating foods before bedtime to prevent stimulating the digestive system and result to bowel movements and discomfort during sleeping.
- Take the prescribed pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen to lessen the discomfort and pain.
- Take a sitz bath with warm water. Fill a bathtub with warm water and add salt, baking soda or vinegar and then soak the affected area in the bathtub for a few minutes. A sitz bath makes the affected area clean and promotes proper flow of blood in the area.
- Perform regular exercises at least 30 minutes every day at 5 days in a week.
- Eat antioxidant fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, tomatoes, cherries, squash and bell peppers.
- Avoid eating refined foods.
- Use healthy oils such as olive and vegetable oil
Tips
- Consume foods rich in Vitamin B, calcium and magnesium such as beans, whole grains, almonds and dark leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.
- Opt for more lean meats, cold water fish, beans and tofu if not allergic to soy.
- Minimize Trans fat found in baked foods such as crackers, cookies, French fries, onion rings, processed foods, margarine and donuts.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proctitis
https://www.healthline.com/health/proctitis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/proctitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376933