Symptoms of infant enteritis

Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
Updated on February 17, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 5sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
56sec home-news-image

Symptoms of newborn enteritis

Neonatal enteritis can present with diarrhea and bloody stools, initially as watery stools, and in severe cases, may appear as bloody stools, resembling fresh blood, jam-like consistency, and black feces. The affected infants often exhibit vomiting, with the vomitus appearing coffee-colored or containing bile. Neonatal enteritis can also present with abdominal distension, or reduced bowel sounds, initially characterized by delayed gastric emptying and gastric retention, followed by abdominal bloating. In severe cases, the abdomen may become drum-like with diminished or even absent bowel sounds. Enteritis may also be accompanied by systemic symptoms, often presenting as poor responsiveness, lethargy, refusal to eat, and in severe cases, pale or grayish complexion, cold limbs, shock, acidosis, and worsening jaundice.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
1min 32sec home-news-image

Is enteritis prone to recurrence?

Enteritis is primarily a disease of the intestines, with a higher incidence in autumn and summer, predominantly manifesting as acute enteritis during these times. The incubation period ranges from 12 to 36 hours, and the main symptoms may cause the patient to experience diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. There is also chronic enteritis, which occurs more slowly and causes repeated episodes of abdominal pain over a long period, including diarrhea and various degrees of indigestion. Changes can also be observed in the stool, which may be watery or mucus-laden. Patients with mild diarrhea might defecate three to four times a day. There might be alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients might experience bowel movements once every one to two hours, or even suffer from severe fecal incontinence. Sometimes, the stool might contain a large amount of mucus and possibly pus and blood, or even fresh blood, which necessitates ruling out other diseases. If enteritis is well-managed, it can be a long time before a recurrence, but if the treatment is not thoroughly standardized, enteritis is likely to recur.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
1min 14sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 14sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of enteritis?

Enteritis is divided into acute enteritis and chronic enteritis. The main symptoms of acute enteritis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, etc., and blood tests may show an increase in white blood cells and neutrophils. The treatment mainly focuses on anti-inflammatory drugs, hydration, and antidiarrheal therapies. Generally, recovery can be achieved within a week. The main symptoms of chronic enteritis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Colonoscopy can reveal changes in the intestinal mucosa such as hyperemia, edema, erosion, and mucus attachment, which can diagnose chronic enteritis. In terms of treatment, Western medicine primarily involves the oral administration of probiotics to adjust the gut microbiota. It can also be combined with traditional Chinese medicine based on syndrome differentiation. Integrating Chinese and Western medicine can enhance treatment effectiveness. Additionally, the diet should primarily consist of light and easily digestible foods.