Symptoms of acute enteritis

Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
Updated on September 06, 2024
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What are the symptoms of acute enteritis? The symptoms of acute enteritis can manifest in terms of gastrointestinal symptoms and systemic symptoms. The most common symptom in the gastrointestinal tract is diarrhea, which is the main symptom, varying in intensity, typically occurring several times a day or even more than 10 times. The stools are often yellowish watery diarrhea and may include mucous or bloody stools. In severe cases, it can also contain pus and blood. The second symptom is abdominal pain: The location of the abdominal pain is usually around the navel, and if the colon is affected, there can be pain on both sides of the abdomen. Abdominal pain can also be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Severe pain is generally caused by intestinal spasms, often accompanied by different degrees of abdominal tenderness. Other gastrointestinal symptoms include vomiting, nausea, or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Systemic symptoms: Generally, the body temperature of patients with enteritis is normal; however, if caused by an invasive pathogen or virus, there can be moderate fever. If high fever occurs, it should be distinguished from other diseases. Additionally, acute enteritis can also accompany symptoms like dizziness, headache, and weakness in limbs, among other signs of systemic infection. Frequent vomiting or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, disruption of acid-base balance, and in severe cases, a drop in blood pressure or even shock.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
1min 38sec home-news-image

Symptoms of acute enteritis

What are the symptoms of acute enteritis? The symptoms of acute enteritis can manifest in terms of gastrointestinal symptoms and systemic symptoms. The most common symptom in the gastrointestinal tract is diarrhea, which is the main symptom, varying in intensity, typically occurring several times a day or even more than 10 times. The stools are often yellowish watery diarrhea and may include mucous or bloody stools. In severe cases, it can also contain pus and blood. The second symptom is abdominal pain: The location of the abdominal pain is usually around the navel, and if the colon is affected, there can be pain on both sides of the abdomen. Abdominal pain can also be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Severe pain is generally caused by intestinal spasms, often accompanied by different degrees of abdominal tenderness. Other gastrointestinal symptoms include vomiting, nausea, or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Systemic symptoms: Generally, the body temperature of patients with enteritis is normal; however, if caused by an invasive pathogen or virus, there can be moderate fever. If high fever occurs, it should be distinguished from other diseases. Additionally, acute enteritis can also accompany symptoms like dizziness, headache, and weakness in limbs, among other signs of systemic infection. Frequent vomiting or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, disruption of acid-base balance, and in severe cases, a drop in blood pressure or even shock.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How many days can acute enteritis be cured?

Acute gastroenteritis is primarily characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, and sometimes accompanied by fever. It is mainly caused by exposure to cold or unhygienic food consumption. Gastroenteritis caused by exposure to cold, also known as a "stomach cold," generally follows a natural course of about a week and can be fully cured with symptomatic treatment. Infectious diarrhea caused by bacterial infections should be comprehensively assessed based on specific symptoms and the severity of the disease. For general cases of enteritis, recovery can usually occur within a day or two, or two to three days after administering antibiotics orally or intravenously. Bacterial dysentery, however, typically presents with more severe symptoms and requires a longer treatment period, generally needing at least a week or even longer. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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How to treat enteritis diarrhea?

Patients with enteritis who experience diarrhea should generally use drugs that reduce intestinal motility and secretions. For instance, small doses of drugs like atropine and probenecidine can be used to ease intestinal movement, achieving pain relief and stopping diarrhea. Chlorpromazine can also be used, which has a sedative effect, and can inhibit the excessive secretion of intestinal mucosa caused by intestinal toxins, thus reducing the frequency and volume of stool. Naturally, these medications should be used under the correct guidance of a doctor and should not be purchased and used without prescription. Moreover, during diarrhea, it is important to pay attention to nutritional replenishment and to appropriately reduce dietary fiber for easier digestion. It may be beneficial to include liquid diets rich in micronutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Avoid milk and dairy products as well. Severe cases require immediate medical attention. Typically, food should be withheld during the first few days of the illness, and nutrients can be supplemented intravenously to give the intestines a temporary rest.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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How to cure adult enteritis completely?

This refers to chronic colitis. The main symptoms of chronic colitis include abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, and mucus in the stools. Using a colonoscopy, one can observe the intestinal mucosa showing congestion, edema, or erosion, as well as white mucus adhering to the intestinal mucosa. With these observations, a diagnosis of chronic colitis can be made. In terms of treatment, Western medicine primarily involves the oral administration of probiotics to regulate the intestinal flora. In Chinese medicine, treatment may involve herbal medicine taken orally based on differential diagnosis. Additionally, external treatments in Chinese medicine, such as moxibustion, enemas with Chinese medicine, or herbal hydrotherapy, can be used to treat the disease, and the treatment effects are good.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can enteritis cause constipation?

Ulcerative colitis often presents with alternating symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. Generally, colitis is characterized more by diarrhea, with fewer symptoms of constipation. What we commonly encounter in daily life is acute gastroenteritis, which frequently occurs suddenly, presenting with sudden diarrhea and abdominal pain, and in severe cases, watery stools. Most cases are due to irregular eating habits or consuming contaminated food. It is important to promptly rehydrate, choose sensitive antibiotics, rest adequately, and maintain a light diet with attention to food hygiene.