How to manage pain in the anus

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.