How long does it take for enteritis to recover?

Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Some patients may ask how long it will take for their enteritis to heal. Actually, the recovery time varies depending on each patient's physical condition and the severity of the disease. For some, recovery may take only a few days, while for others it may take several years, and some may even need to take medication for life. Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease, require long-term medication for several years or more. Of course, routine care is also quite important for the recovery from enteritis. Patients should be cautious with their diet, avoiding spicy, irritating, cold, and spoiled foods, among others. Additionally, regular physical exercise is very important for patients. By enhancing their own immunity and other aspects, they can strengthen their resistance to diseases and thus promote recovery; this plays a significant role in the recovery time from the disease.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Symptoms of enteritis

So, what are the typical clinical symptoms of proctitis? Since the rectum is close to the anus, the symptoms mainly include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Some patients experience alternating constipation and diarrhea. Generally, stools may contain mucus or blood, and there is often a burning sensation in the anus during bowel movements. Additionally, the irritation from rectal secretions can lead to eczema and itching around the anus. Diagnosing proctitis is relatively easier compared to pan-colitis. Diagnosis is usually made through proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, and sometimes confirmatory diagnosis requires these biopsies.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Can you drink alcohol with enteritis?

Can patients with enteritis drink alcohol? Patients with acute enteritis must abstain from alcohol during the illness. For those with chronic enteritis, it is also advisable to control their alcohol consumption, trying to drink less or even not at all. This is because alcohol can easily irritate the gastrointestinal tract, damage the mucous membrane of the gut, and further affect the digestive and absorption functions of the stomach and intestines. This can exacerbate the condition of enteritis and pose greater risks to health. Additionally, it is also important to avoid other spicy and irritating foods, as well as cold, hard substances. Drinking less strong tea and consuming more bland, warm, and soft foods can help with digestion.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of enteritis?

Enteritis is mostly caused by bacterial or viral infections, with typical symptoms being abdominal pain and diarrhea. The bacterial or viral infection causes congestion and edema of the mucous membrane in the intestines, leading to a reduced function in digesting and absorbing food. If the bacteria or virus is particularly virulent, it can damage the intestinal mucosa and cause bloody stools. Enteritis is a common characteristic of many diseases, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and infectious diarrhea. Clinically, the treatment mainly involves the use of antibiotics and medications to stabilize the intestines and stop diarrhea. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which requires timely rehydration. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What foods should I eat to regulate enteritis?

When dealing with colitis, dietary considerations are crucial. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided, as well as fatty, rich, spicy, stimulating, fried, grilled, and raw cold foods. The diet should primarily consist of light and easily digestible foods. Suitable options include porridge, such as yam porridge, barley porridge, and millet porridge, as well as soups like chicken soup and pork rib soup, and even noodles. Additionally, when consuming meat, ensure it is thoroughly stewed before eating. Increased physical activity is also recommended, as it can promote gastrointestinal motility and potentially improve digestive functions. Avoid staying up late and excessive physical strain to maintain a relaxed mood and avoid excessive anxiety and depression.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Is it useful to take probiotics for enteritis?

Some patients may ask if probiotics are useful for enteritis. A large number of studies have shown that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can cause enteritis, and patients with enteritis generally experience a disruption of the gut microbiota, especially those who have had the condition for a longer period, often have this situation of gut microbiota imbalance. Therefore, appropriately taking probiotics should be beneficial for the recovery of the gut, because probiotics inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, adhere to the intestinal mucosa to form a protective layer, and prevent attacks on the intestinal mucosa by harmful microbiomes. Additionally, probiotics can produce various enzymes involved in the digestion of food in the gut and other physiological processes; moreover, probiotics can also regulate the activity of immune factors in the gut, enhancing intestinal immunity. Thus, probiotics play a very positive role in preventing and treating symptoms that arise from enteritis. However, patients with enteritis also need to supplement appropriate probiotics under the guidance of a doctor, choosing probiotics that meet the different needs of different individuals to improve related symptoms.