Symptoms of acute enteritis

Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
Updated on September 06, 2024
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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 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.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
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What to eat for enteritis?

For patients with enteritis, it is good to eat foods that help improve nutritional status and the intestinal environment. Generally, a high-protein, high-calorie diet is recommended. Additionally, foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements should be provided, especially those containing vitamin C, vitamin B, and rich in iron, to replenish energy. The food should be easy to digest, soft in texture, low in residue, and non-irritating. Low-residue foods can reduce intestinal motility, alleviating diarrhea, and include foods like eggs, fine noodles, and soft rice porridge. For staple foods and legumes: our main foods generally consist of refined grains such as rice porridge and noodles, avoiding coarse grains and appropriately including soy products like soy milk and tofu. For choices of meat, eggs, and dairy: lean meats, chicken, fish, etc., are generally recommended. For vegetables and fruits: vegetables, fruit juices should be chosen, and it is advisable to avoid foods high in fiber.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Is it useful to take probiotics for enteritis?

Some patients may ask if probiotics are useful for enteritis. A large number of studies have shown that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can cause enteritis, and patients with enteritis generally experience a disruption of the gut microbiota, especially those who have had the condition for a longer period, often have this situation of gut microbiota imbalance. Therefore, appropriately taking probiotics should be beneficial for the recovery of the gut, because probiotics inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, adhere to the intestinal mucosa to form a protective layer, and prevent attacks on the intestinal mucosa by harmful microbiomes. Additionally, probiotics can produce various enzymes involved in the digestion of food in the gut and other physiological processes; moreover, probiotics can also regulate the activity of immune factors in the gut, enhancing intestinal immunity. Thus, probiotics play a very positive role in preventing and treating symptoms that arise from enteritis. However, patients with enteritis also need to supplement appropriate probiotics under the guidance of a doctor, choosing probiotics that meet the different needs of different individuals to improve related symptoms.

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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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How long does it take for enteritis to recover?

Some patients may ask how long it will take for their enteritis to heal. Actually, the recovery time varies depending on each patient's physical condition and the severity of the disease. For some, recovery may take only a few days, while for others it may take several years, and some may even need to take medication for life. Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease, require long-term medication for several years or more. Of course, routine care is also quite important for the recovery from enteritis. Patients should be cautious with their diet, avoiding spicy, irritating, cold, and spoiled foods, among others. Additionally, regular physical exercise is very important for patients. By enhancing their own immunity and other aspects, they can strengthen their resistance to diseases and thus promote recovery; this plays a significant role in the recovery time from the disease.