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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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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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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How to completely cure enteritis?

How can colitis be completely cured? The colitis referred to here is likely chronic colitis. Chronic colitis primarily manifests as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes mucus in the stool. Colonoscopy can reveal white mucus on the colon and visible mucosal hyperemia, edema, and even erosion. In terms of treatment, Western medicine mainly offers probiotics to regulate the intestinal flora. However, Chinese medicine tends to have an advantage over Western medicine in treating this condition because it uses a method of treatment based on syndrome differentiation to achieve better results. Additionally, external treatments in Chinese medicine, including enemas and hydrotherapy, can be very effective. Diet is also crucial; it is important to consume a light, digestible diet, and avoid overly rich and fatty foods. With consistent treatment, the disease can generally be completely cured.

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What are the symptoms of enteritis?

Enteritis is generally divided into chronic enteritis and acute enteritis. Acute enteritis usually has severe symptoms and develops rapidly. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In the case of chronic enteritis, symptoms can include mucous stools, bloody pus stools, and abdominal pain, as well as nausea and vomiting. Therefore, during acute enteritis, symptomatic treatment using anti-inflammatory drugs generally cures it within about three days. However, the treatment for chronic enteritis differs from that of acute enteritis since it involves a sterile inflammation, and anti-inflammatory drugs are generally not required outside the acute phase. So, when you are diagnosed with acute enteritis, do not worry; it can usually be quickly cured with some anti-inflammatory medication.

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What to do about enteritis in a one-year-old baby

Most cases of enteritis are due to viral infections. The principles of treatment primarily involve diet adjustment, prevention and correction of dehydration, rational use of medication and enhanced nursing care, and preventing complications such as dehydration. Treatment of diarrhea varies with different stages; during the acute phase, it is important to maintain a balance of water and electrolytes, while prolonged and chronic diarrhea requires attention to intestinal flora imbalance and dietary adjustments. A minority of diarrhea cases are caused by bacterial infections, and if there is clear evidence of bacterial infection, appropriate antimicrobial drugs should be used.