What are the symptoms of rectal polyps?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Rectal polyps due to proctitis are generally benign lesions, so the symptoms are not obvious. Some patients may have no specific symptoms and polyps are incidentally found during routine physical examinations or colonoscopies where proctitis is seen in conjunction with polyps. Of course, a small number of patients may experience abdominal discomfort and abnormal bowel movements. The abdominal discomfort generally focuses on the lower abdomen, or occurs sporadically in the lower left abdomen, and can manifest as bloating pain, dull pain, or an unexplained discomfort. The abnormality in bowel movements can be seen as stools being more liquid-like and frequent, with some patients having watery stools, but there are no symptoms of fever or bloody stools. Therefore, the symptoms of rectal polyps from proctitis are usually not obvious and can be further clarified through colonoscopic examination. If the rectal polyps are not large, periodic observation with colonoscopy every six months to a year may be advised. Of course, if the polyps grow larger or symptoms become pronounced, treatment through endoscopic removal may be chosen.

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Is prolonged sitting harmful to proctitis?

Prolonged sitting does not significantly harm proctitis, but if a patient sits for extended periods, it might lead to the occurrence of hemorrhoids. Therefore, it is generally advised not to sit for too long and to engage in appropriate amounts of exercise, adopting a balanced approach to physical activity. Patients with proctitis may experience symptoms like mucoid stools, purulent stools, bloody stools, and a sensation of incomplete evacuation after defecation. Therefore, in terms of diet, it is recommended not to consume overly spicy or stimulating foods. Instead, opt for foods that are easy to digest and bland. Treatment can include the use of medications such as mesalazine or sulfasalazine.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
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Is rectitis hemorrhoids?

Proctitis and hemorrhoids have fundamental differences. Proctitis is an inflammation that occurs in the rectum and its mucosa, related to infection by pathogens. Typical symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal pain, with severe cases presenting mucus or pus and bloody stools. Hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are caused by the distension of hemorrhoidal veins; internal hemorrhoids lead to bleeding after bowel movements, and external hemorrhoids cause significant pain. Proctitis is generally treated with medications or can also be managed with enemas. Hemorrhoids are mainly treated with medications that reduce bleeding and medications that treat the hemorrhoids, and they can also be treated surgically. (Medication use should be supervised by a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
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Difference between colitis and rectal cancer

The differences between proctitis and rectal cancer are that under endoscopy, proctitis can present with patchy congestion, with or without mucus, and unclear vascular patterns. In contrast, rectal cancer can present with a protruding mass, which may have an uneven surface, cauliflower-like changes, and possibly congested erosion, among other conditions. It could also simply be a very superficial lesion, and the texture is often more brittle, possibly involving the entire circumference of the colon, preventing the passage of a colonoscope. Clinically, proctitis may present with symptoms such as increased frequency of bowel movements, incomplete evacuation, and sticky stools that may contain mucus. Rectal cancer, on the other hand, may present with symptoms such as bloody stools, positive fecal occult blood, abdominal pain, etc.

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Written by Huang Gang
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Can I eat pineapple with colitis?

If you have colitis, try to eat less pineapple, as this food is relatively stimulating. Consuming it can irritate the intestinal mucosa, leading to congestion and edema of the intestinal mucosa, and aggravate colitis. Pineapple also has the effect of moisturizing the intestines and facilitating bowel movements, leading to an increase in the frequency of bowel movements which can worsen colitis. Therefore, patients with chronic colitis should pay attention to a light diet, avoid cold melons and fruits, and avoid fruits like pineapple. Bananas can also lubricate the intestines, leading to an increase in bowel movements, so they should also be avoided. Instead, you can eat some warm, easily digestible, and non-irritating foods to the intestines.

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"Inflammatory changes in the rectum"

Inflammatory changes in the rectum are generally a diagnostic manifestation observed through electronic colonoscopy. Under electronic colonoscopy, these changes are often described as inflammation of the rectum, mainly characterized by congestion, edema, and pinpoint erosion of the rectal mucosa, among others. Generally, the symptoms are not very severe, and many patients who undergo electronic colonoscopy, after taking medications such as polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder for diarrhea, can exhibit inflammatory changes in the rectum. Once inflammatory changes in the rectum occur, it may be considered to treat them by orally administering medications that regulate the gut flora. If the patient presents with symptoms such as urgency, mucus-like stools, or pus and blood in the stools, treatment with sulfasalazine suppositories should be considered, and the specific choice of medication and dosage should be followed according to medical advice. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)