How to treat enteritis in children

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 28, 2024
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How to treat enteritis in children? First, it is necessary to assess whether the enteritis is caused by a virus or a bacterial infection.

If it is simply viral enteritis, the first step generally involves rehydration, which can be provided through oral rehydration salts to replenish fluids and electrolytes. Additionally, probiotics such as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus acidophilus can be given to regulate the intestinal flora, and smectite can be used to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa. If it is viral diarrhea, antiviral medications can also be added to the treatment.

If the diarrhea is considered to be caused by a bacterial infection in the intestines, some antibiotics can be administered orally, including cephalosporins or penicillin antibiotics. If the infection is severe, intravenous therapy may be necessary.

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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 Wang Zhen Quan
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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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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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What should pregnant women do if they have enteritis?

If a pregnant woman experiences enteritis during pregnancy, the treatment method should be determined based on the severity of the condition. If the symptoms of intestinal inflammation are not particularly noticeable at present, it is advisable to treat with dietary measures. First and foremost, one should eat smaller, more frequent meals and drink plenty of water to ensure adequate hydration, and consume easily digestible foods to avoid further irritating the intestines. If the symptoms are more severe, such as frequent diarrhea or dehydration, it is necessary to promptly take oral antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory medications to treat the symptoms accordingly.

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What to do with enteritis nausea?

When the illness duration is short, acute gastroenteritis should be considered. The main cause of acute gastroenteritis is unsanitary eating habits leading to bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract, which causes acute inflammation. Its primary symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, etc. This disease can be definitively diagnosed with a routine blood test at the hospital, where an increase in white blood cells and neutrophils can be observed. What should be done? The treatment involves anti-inflammatory measures, rehydration, and some symptomatic treatments. Generally, recovery can occur within two to three days. During treatment, it is crucial to maintain a light diet that is easy to digest, such as consuming porridge or soup, and avoid greasy, rich foods. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to dietary hygiene in the future.