What are the Different Types of Proctitis Treatment?

Each individual proctitis treatment directly depends upon the cause of the proctitis itself, such as a sexually transmitted disease or irradiation. Proctitis treatments may include curing an infection or ceasing the intake of medications that could cause the inflammation. Antibiotics, suppositories, and other medications may also be prescribed to treat the illness.

When the cause of inflammation of the rectum mucus lining is sexually transmitted disease (STD) related, antibiotics are typically given to the patient. This is done to remedy both the disease, if possible, as well as the inflammation. Other specific STD drugs may also be given to as a proctitis treatment, depending upon the contracted disease.

Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other diseases that can cause proctitis are generally treated with prescription medication. These may be taken as enemas or suppositories. Sometimes an oral medication may be prescribed in conjunction with one of these methods. If the cause of proctitis is radiation therapy that cannot cease, the treatment may include medication to help the patient stop bleeding as well as medicine to help destroy damaged tissue causing the inflammation.

If an infection is the cause of the inflammation, the medication prescribed will depend upon the type of infection. Typically antivirals or antibiotics are given to combat the infection and proctitis. If an irritable bowel condition is causing the inflammation, a proctitis treatment may result in surgery, though physicians typically try to exhaust all other lines of treatment before resorting to an operation. Anti-inflammatory drugs can often help patients manage proctitis and help them avoid surgery.

In cases of mild to severe discomfort, proctitis treatment usually includes topical creams or other medications to ease the pain. These may be prescription-strength, or available over-the-counter. Fiber supplements and stool softeners may also be given to help ease or prevent pain, as can general over-the-counter pain medications.

Some types of proctitis treatment can be natural as well. Patients with minor pain, or those who wish to refrain from using drugs, may engage in sitz baths, or warm water immersion in a small seat that sits over the toilet, to treat their symptoms. Eating a low-residue diet, or a special group of foods designed to result in the least amount of stools possible, is another possible natural treatment. Patients are also advised to not eat before bedtime to avoid proctitis symptoms.