A young man who read my article on sexually transmitted
diseases recently called for consultation. During the session, this young man
told me about the persistent pain and itching in his anus any time he wanted to
pass stools.
The young man said he had received
treatment in many hospitals with no cure. So, he decided to go for herbs which
he said initially helped him but later the pain grew worse. He had also tried
drugs for piles and Staphylococcus
Aureus infections
with no relief. Now, he has blood in his stools. After a series of tests and
examinations, he was diagnosed of proctitis and not pile as perceived by him.
Proctitis is defined as an inflammation of the anus (the
opening) and lining of the rectum (lower part of the intestine leading to the
anus). Symptoms of proctitis can vary greatly. One may first have only minor
problems. Proctitis affects the last six inches of the rectum and can cause the
following: pain during a bowel movement, soreness in the anal and rectal area,
feeling that one did not completely empty the bowels after a bowel movement,
spasms and cramping during bowel movements, bleeding, and possibly a discharge.
Proctitis can last a short time or become a chronic condition (last for weeks
or months or longer).
Causes
A number of conditions can cause
proctitis. Sexually transmitted diseases are the most common: A person can get
proctitis through anal or oral-anal intercourse. STDs that cause proctitis
include herpes simplex, gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, and syphilis. Bacterial
infections that are not transmitted sexually can also cause proctitis. People
with Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the digestive tract)
may be more likely to get proctitis. Other causes are radiation therapy, injury
to the rectum, or those taking antibiotics for other infections.
Signs and symptoms
The most common symptom of
proctitis is called tenesmus. Tenesmus is a frequent urge to have a bowel
movement. Inflammation and irritation of the rectum and rectal lining cause
tenesmus. Other symptoms of proctitis include pain in the anus, rectum, and
abdominal region, anal itching, bleeding from the rectum, passing of mucus from
the rectum, very loose stools, watery diarrhoea and occasional constipation.
Treatment
The goals of proctitis treatment
are to reduce inflammation, control pain, and treat infection.
Dietary control: Eat antioxidant
foods, including fruits and vegetables .Eat foods high in B-vitamins, calcium,
and magnesium, such as almonds, beans, whole grains, and dark leafy greens
(such as spinach). Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and
especially sugar. Eat less red meat. Use healthy oils, such as olive oil or
coconut oil. Reduce or eliminate trans fats, found in commercially-baked goods
such as cookies, crackers and margarine.
Specific treatments depend on the
cause of proctitis. Managing underlying conditions helps to relieve symptoms.
Medications may be used to treat sexually transmitted diseases, stds or clear
up symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids reduce
inflammation and provide pain relief, antibiotics and antifungal clear up stds
and other infections.
Immuno suppressant treat symptoms
of Crohn’s disease and other autoimmune diseases, surgery may be necessary in
the case of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Medications may be taken orally,
applied topically, or delivered by an enema. With an enema, treatment is placed
directly into the rectum. The patient may also be told to take sitz baths. A
sitz bath delivers warm water and salt to the inflamed area and can provide
relief.
Preventive care: There are several
steps to prevent proctitis: Practice safe sex. Using condoms and having only
one sex partner can prevent STDs that cause proctitis. Lifestyle modification:
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Drink six to eight glasses of water
daily. Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, five days a week. Eating a well-balanced
diet
When to seek medical care: Do you
have any of the symptoms? Especially if you have a history of high-risk
sexual behaviour that may lead to proctitis, you should contact your health
care provider to be checked. Other minor conditions such as haemorrhoids
(piles) also can cause similar symptoms. Your doctor can tell the difference
and provide the right treatment.
Reference:
punchng
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