How to regain weight lost due to colitis

Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
Updated on October 20, 2024
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If there are symptoms of body wasting due to colitis, treatment should first be directed at the colitis to control the condition.

After controlling the condition, it is possible to reduce symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain, which is conducive to the digestion and absorption of nutrients in food and can help enhance physical fitness. Normally, care should be taken not to overeat or drink excessively. It is okay to eat moderate amounts of eggs, meat, and dairy, but be careful not to eat too much at once, as this can aggravate the symptoms of colitis.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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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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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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What will happen if rectitis gets worse?

If proctitis worsens, it should be treated promptly through surgery. Surgical removal can help prevent spread and prolong life. After surgery, it is also necessary to kill cancer cells through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. If proctitis is not properly managed, frequent recurrences can lead to erosion and even ulcers, which can easily become cancerous. Therefore, regular follow-up colonoscopies are essential to monitor changes in the condition and assess whether there is a high or low chance of deterioration. After surgery, attention should also be paid to a bland diet, avoiding irritant foods.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Symptoms of proctitis

So, what are the common clinical symptoms of proctitis? Since the rectum is close to the anus, the symptoms are primarily manifested as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Some patients experience alternating constipation and diarrhea. Generally, there is often mucus or blood in the stool, and there is usually a burning sensation in the anus during bowel movements. Additionally, due to the irritation from rectal secretions, eczema and itching around the anus can occur. Diagnosing proctitis is relatively easier compared to diagnosing pancolitis. Diagnosis is usually made through sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, and sometimes biopsies are needed for confirmation.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Will rectal inflammation make it painful to defecate?

Whether defecation causes anal pain in proctitis requires specific analysis. If the symptoms of proctitis are mild, defecation might not necessarily result in anal pain. If proctitis is accompanied by ulcers or infections, resulting in severe inflammation of the rectum, and if there are also anal fissures, defecation might cause anal pain. Regarding the severity of proctitis, it’s important to promptly conduct thorough examinations such as a digital rectal exam or an anoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, and adopt appropriate treatment measures based on the severity.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Does proctitis require surgery?

Proctitis is a common clinical disease that can be asymptomatic or can present with recurrent discomfort symptoms such as abnormal stool, displaying characteristics like loose stool texture, increased frequency of defecation, or digestive bleeding accompanied by fresh red blood along with abnormal stool. If there are no specific abdominal symptoms and the stool condition is manageable, generally, surgical treatment is not necessary. Instead, dietary adjustments and rest can be made, including appropriate medication when necessary. Medication options may include suppositories, such as mesalazine suppositories, and oral probiotics for adjustment. Therefore, if there are truly no space-occupying lesions and no issues found in colonoscopy, surgical treatment may not be required for proctitis. It is advised to manage with medication and further adjust with oral probiotics, so there is no need for worry. (Please follow a professional physician's guidance when using medications and do not self-medicate.)