Chronic Proctitis Symptoms and Effective Treatment Options

Chronic proctitis is a condition that affects the rectum and is characterized by a range of uncomfortable symptoms. The most common signs include persistent diarrhea, occasional abdominal pain, and a sensation known as tenesmus. Tenesmus refers to the feeling of needing to have a bowel movement even after one has just occurred, often accompanied by a sense of rectal pressure or fullness without the ability to pass stool.

Understanding the Symptoms

These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency, with some individuals experiencing mild discomfort while others may find it disruptive to their daily life. The sensation of incomplete evacuation and rectal heaviness is particularly bothersome and can significantly affect quality of life.

Treatment Approaches Based on Severity

When it comes to treating chronic proctitis, the approach largely depends on the severity of the condition. For mild cases featuring occasional pain and diarrhea, comprehensive medical treatment may not be necessary. Instead, lifestyle modifications focusing on dietary changes can be highly effective. Avoiding spicy, fatty, and cold foods while maintaining regular meal times can often prevent symptom flare-ups.

Moderate to Severe Cases

In more advanced cases where symptoms are frequent and more intense, medical intervention becomes necessary. Patients experiencing multiple episodes of pain and diarrhea, particularly those with confirmed rectal erosions or ulcers through colonoscopy, require targeted treatment approaches.

Pharmacological Treatment Options

Modern medicine offers several treatment pathways including Western medications such as gastro-intestinal protectants and microbiome regulators. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulations have also demonstrated effectiveness in managing chronic proctitis symptoms. Due to the unique anatomical location of the rectum, direct administration of medication through enema therapy has proven particularly effective.

Advantages of Localized Treatment

Rectal administration via enema allows for direct contact between medication and the affected tissue, resulting in enhanced absorption and faster symptom relief. This method is preferred over oral medication which may not achieve sufficient concentration in the rectal area due to systemic dilution.

Clinical Evidence Supporting Enema Therapy

Several years of clinical observation have confirmed the efficacy of herbal enema preparations, particularly for patients presenting with rectal ulcers or mucosal erosion. For cases involving simple inflammation with edema, specific antimicrobial enemas containing agents like metronidazole have shown promising results in reducing symptoms and promoting healing.