Cryptitis is an inflammatory process in the rectum in which the Lieberkühn crypts are inflamed. Below you will find further information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for cryptitis. You can also find specialists for the treatment of cryptitis here.
Cryptitis is an inflammatory process in the rectum. The name of the disease comes from the Lieberkühn crypts. They are pocket-like depressions in the section of the intestine known as the anal canal. The crypts are surrounded by the anal papillae, the elongated longitudinal folds within the anal canal.
Every person has crypts arranged in a circle 2 to 3 cm above the anus in their lower colon, 10 to 15 in total. In a healthy state, the 1 to 2 mm deep crypts do not cause any discomfort. However, if they become inflamed, they are sensitive to pressure and painful.
Inflammation of the crypts is caused by problems with defecation. If feces gets into the pocket-like depressions and remains there, the area becomes inflamed and sensitive to pressure.
The Lieberkühn crypts are located in the anal canal @ bilderzwerg /AdobeStock
The pain caused by cryptitis is almost always associated with bowel movements. It does not necessarily occur immediately after defecation.
The pain in the pressure-sensitive crypts often only occurs one to two hours later. It can often last the whole day.
Occasionally the anal area becomes wet and lubricated. Sometimes there is temporary bleeding after a bowel movement. In addition to the pain, itching and a burning sensation in the anal region are typical symptoms of cryptitis. Some patients also report a foreign body sensation in the lower colon.
Soft, mushy stools are just as much a cause of cryptitis as hard stools in the case of constipation. Due to its consistency, soft stools easily pass into the cavities, where they occasionally remain.
In the case of hard stools, stool deposits in one or more crypts as a result of straining during defecation. The stool can be so hard that it injures the delicate intestinal mucosa, which also promotes inflammation.
For some sufferers, a vicious circle develops: they hold back their stools in order to postpone or reduce the frequency of visits to the toilet.
In the case of constipation, this further hardens the stool and exacerbates defecation disorders and the resulting symptoms, including pain. In addition, some patients reduce their food intake in order to reduce the number of bowel movements.
For general reassurance, it should be said that such stool deposits in the crypts of the colon are an exception. Normally you do not have to reckon with such an occurrence.
It is good if you are informed about this. However, there is a risk of cryptitis if you have problems defecating. If these problems occur regularly in the form of constipation, it makes sense to take countermeasures. The goal is a softer and smoother stool.
Progressive inflammation can easily lead to the development of an abscess or fistula, often accompanied by fever and fatigue.
If cryptitis is suspected, an immediate visit to the doctor is recommended. Many sufferers still delay seeing a doctor out of shame.
They should be told that what is an unpleasant and exceptional situation for the patient is an everyday routine for the doctor with no sensational character. A visit to the doctor is essential in the case of cryptitis. The sooner, the better.
Any complications that arise, including infections and possible blood poisoning, are clearly linked to a delay in seeing a doctor and starting treatment.
The first point of contact for intestinal diseases, including cryptitis, is often the family doctor. If necessary, they traditionally act as a guide for referral to their colleagues who specialize in certain diseases. As an intestinal specialist, the proctologist is a specialist in the treatment of cryptitis.
At the beginning of the examination, the doctor thoroughly palpates the affected section of the bowel from the inside with his finger. He uses a speculum and probe as additional diagnostic instruments.
Because the symptoms of cryptitis resemble haemorrhoids, misdiagnoses are occasionally made. A colonoscopy provides additional clarity in the diagnosis.
In addition to the pain, itching and a burning sensation in the anal region are typical symptoms of cryptitis @ methaphum /AdobeStock
As distressing as cryptitis is for those affected, it is fortunately easy to treat. The first step is to combat the inflammation of the intestinal area.
The doctor will prescribe
Suppositories are particularly convenient and safe for patients to use.
The second step involves tips on changing your diet: the stool should be of a medium-solid consistency, i.e. neither too soft nor too hard.
The doctor will also explain exercises for the sphincter muscle that support blood circulation in the anal area.
Medication is not sufficient for larger inflammations such as abscesses and fistulas. A surgeon must therefore remove the affected areas. Experience has shown that patients recover quickly after cryptitis surgery. They can leave hospital after just a few days.
Treatment of cryptitis that begins as early as possible is usually brief and almost always leads to complete freedom from symptoms.
On the other hand, late or no treatment can lead to serious damage to health. The intestine can lose its ability to function in some areas. Tumors and even premature death are further risks if cryptitis is treated late or not at all.
Cured cryptitis does not prevent recurrence. More knowledge about the clinical picture raises awareness of the first signs of cryptitis. Prevention is particularly important.
The cause of the disease is also the decisive clue as to how you can prevent cryptitis: Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber.
Drink enough, at least 1.5 liters a day. The fiber contained in whole foods with lots of vegetables, fruit and whole grain products stimulates digestion. Eat little meat. Avoid constipation. You should only take laxatives as an exception.
What also stimulates intestinal activity and thus prevents cryptitis is exercise. You are welcome to exercise, but it doesn't have to be sport. Walk a lot in everyday life, cycle and use stairs instead of elevators.
Cryptitis is characterized by pocket-like depressions in the rectum filled with faeces. Cryptitis develops from these crypts filled with feces. The inflamed crypts are very sensitive to pressure and pain. An immediate visit to the doctor is urgently recommended.
Cryptitis is unpleasant and often embarrassing for those affected. However, it has a good chance of recovery if treatment is started as early as possible. A change in diet adapted to the risk of the disease also offers promising prevention.
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