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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Symptoms of infant enteritis

Infantile enteritis is a very common disease during a child's growth and development, primarily characterized by an increased frequency of bowel movements, diarrhea, and a possible change in the consistency of the stool, such as it being watery or resembling egg flower soup. Additionally, if a child's bowel movements increase in frequency, it can easily lead to dehydration, causing the child to have a poor mental state, lethargy, and symptoms of dehydration such as sleepiness. If dehydration occurs, it is necessary to promptly take the child to the hospital for an electrolyte test. If there is an electrolyte imbalance, timely intravenous fluid therapy is required. If white blood cells are present in the child's stool, antibiotics should be administered for treatment.

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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.

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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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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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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.