Enteritis
(Diseases)
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about enteritis.
What is enteritis?
1Enteritis is a condition that affects the small or large intestine due to inflammation of its tissues. The inflammation may be acute and temporary or chronic, requiring long-term treatment.
What are the types of enteritis?
- 1. Chronic enteritis:
It is one of the diseases resulting from a chronic immune disorder and includes two main types: - Crohn’s disease:
It can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, and involves all layers of the intestinal wall.
2Ulcerative colitis:
It is limited to the colon and rectum and affects only the inner lining.
- 2. Infectious enteritis:
- It results from viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections and is often acute and temporary. Its causes include:
- Viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus.
Bacteria such as salmonella and Escherichia coli.
Parasites such as giardia.
1What are the symptoms of enteritis?
- The symptoms of enteritis vary depending on the type and severity of the inflammation and can be divided into:
- 1. Chronic enteritis (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis):
- Recurrent abdominal pain or cramps.
- Chronic diarrhea (which may be accompanied by blood or mucus).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Persistent fatigue and exhaustion.
- Mild fever at times.
2Loss of appetite.
- Symptoms outside the digestive system such as mouth ulcers, joint pain, or skin rash.
- 2. Infectious enteritis (bacterial, viral, or parasitic):
- Sudden and severe diarrhea (which may be watery or contain blood).
- Noticeable increase in body temperature.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Headache or muscle pain.
Gradual improvement over several days in most cases, especially with treatment or after the infection resolves.
1What are the causes of enteritis?
Enteritis can be a temporary condition resulting from an acute infection or chronic illness due to immune disorders or other factors. The causes include:
1– Causes of chronic enteritis:
Immune causes:
The immune system mistakenly attacks the intestines, causing persistent inflammation.
Example:
Crohn’s disease: inflammation that can affect any part of the digestive tract and all layers.
Ulcerative colitis: affects only the colon and rectum, and the inflammation is limited to the superficial layer.
Genetic factors:
A genetic predisposition increases the risk of chronic enteritis.
Lifestyle:
2Smoking increases the risk of chronic inflammation, especially in Crohn’s disease.
- An unhealthy diet may worsen the condition.
2– Causes of coli)infectious enteritis: - Bacterial infection:
Such as salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are usually transmitted through contaminated food or water. - Viral infection:
Such as norovirus and rotavirus, which are common in cases of “stomach flu.”
Parasitic infection:
Such as giardia, which may cause chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- What are the diagnostic methods for enteritis?
- The doctor relies on a set of tests to diagnose the condition accurately, including:
- Clinical examination and medical history to identify symptoms and possible factors.
- Blood tests to check for anemia or signs of inflammation in the body.
Stool analysis to detect infection or hidden blood.
Imaging and endoscopicMRItests such as:
Endoscopy (colonoscopy): to view the intestines from the inside and take biopsy samples.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): to assess inflammation in the small and large intestines.
What are the treatment methods for enteritis?
- The treatment plan is determined based on the type and severity of enteritis, whether chronic (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) or infectious (bacterial, viral, or parasitic). Treatment options may include:
First: Treatment ofASAchronic enteritis - Anti-inflammatory medications, such as: aminosalicylates (5-ASA), used to reduce inflammation in the intestinal wall, especially in ulcerative colitis.
Immunosuppressants, such as: corticosteroids, used to control acute inflammatory episodes but for limited periods due to side effects. - Biological therapy, such as: tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors like infliximab or adalimumab, used in moderate to severe cases that do not respond to traditional treatments.
SurgicalTNFintervention - Recommended in advanced cases or when complications occur, such as:
Intestinal obstruction- Fistula or abscess
- Persistent bleeding
- Ineffectiveness of medications
- Second: Treatment of infectious enteritis
Treatment focuses on eliminating the causative agent and relieving symptoms:
Rest and fluid intake
- To compensate for dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting.
Antibiotics or antiparasitic medications - In cases of bacterial infection (such as salmonella or shigella) or parasitic infection (such as giardia).
Antidiarrheal medications - Used cautiously and under medical supervision, especially in cases not accompanied by blood or fever.
What are the prevention methods for enteritis?
First: Prevention of infectious enteritis (acute inflammation):
This type is often caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and occurs as a result of consuming contaminated food or drinks, or poor hygiene.
Prevention methods include:
Food and water hygiene:
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Cook meat, poultry, and fish properly.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked food from unreliable sources.
- Regular handwashing:
- Before eating and after using the bathroom.
- After touching animals.
- Vaccinations:
- Against some viruses (such as rotavirus for children, or typhoid and cholera vaccines for travelers).
- Second: Prevention of chronic enteritis:
This type is not contagious and is thought to be related to immune, genetic, and environmental factors. It cannot be completely prevented but the risk or flare-ups can be reduced by:
Quitting smoking:
- Especially for Crohn’s patients, as smoking increases the severity of symptoms and risk of complications.
- Managing psychological stress.
- Following an appropriate diet:
- Avoid foods that irritate the intestines, such as spicy, fatty foods, or those containing caffeine.
- Eat easily digestible foods.
- Reduce fiber during flare-ups.
- Avoid lactose if intolerant.
- Drink enough water.
- Regular medical follow-up:
- With a gastroenterologist to detect complications early or adjust treatment when needed.
- Taking medications as prescribed:
- Such as immunosuppressants or anti-inflammatory drugs as directed by the doctor.
- When should you see a specialist?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is important not to delay consulting a doctor:
Persistent diarrhea or abdominal pain for more than a week.
- Presence of blood in the stool.
- Rapid, unexplained weight loss.
- High fever accompanied by digestive symptoms.
- Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and ensures starting appropriate treatment at the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enteritis Contagious?
If enteritis is caused by immune-related reasons, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it is not contagious. However, if it is caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, it may be contagious and can spread from one person to another.
How is infection transmitted in infectious enteritis?
Eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
- Touching surfaces contaminated with the stool of an infected person.
- Not washing hands properly.
- Direct contact with an infected person.
- What is the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease?
Ulcerative colitis: limited to the colon and rectum and affects the superficial layer of the intestine.
- Crohn’s disease: may affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus and affects deeper layers of the intestinal wall.
- Can enteritis be completely cured?
It depends on the type of inflammation:
Infectious inflammation (bacterial, viral, or parasitic):
- It can be completely cured after appropriate treatment.
Chronic inflammation (such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – IBD): - There is no complete cure, but symptoms can be controlled and quality of life improved through:IBD):
Following an appropriate diet.
- Taking regular medications.
- Reducing stress and fatigue.
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