What are the symptoms of enteritis?

Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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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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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Will enteritis cause stomach pain?

Patients with enteritis mostly experience symptoms of abdominal pain, mostly manifesting as mild to moderate abdominal pain. Spasmodic pain in the lower left abdomen or lower abdomen is more common, and sometimes it can involve the entire abdomen. Some patients also have these symptoms where urgency and severe straining follow a bowel movement, and abdominal pain relieves after defecation. In cases with milder conditions, the pain is only a discomfort in the abdomen or mild obscure pain. Moderate cases may have mild tenderness in the lower left abdomen, and sometimes doctors can also feel a spasming colon. In severe cases, such as those complicated by toxic megacolon or when inflammation spreads to the peritoneum, there can be persistent severe abdominal pain.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
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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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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 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.

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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.