What to do about enteritis in a one-year-old baby

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 12, 2024
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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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How many days can acute enteritis be cured?

Acute gastroenteritis is primarily characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, and sometimes accompanied by fever. It is mainly caused by exposure to cold or unhygienic food consumption. Gastroenteritis caused by exposure to cold, also known as a "stomach cold," generally follows a natural course of about a week and can be fully cured with symptomatic treatment. Infectious diarrhea caused by bacterial infections should be comprehensively assessed based on specific symptoms and the severity of the disease. For general cases of enteritis, recovery can usually occur within a day or two, or two to three days after administering antibiotics orally or intravenously. Bacterial dysentery, however, typically presents with more severe symptoms and requires a longer treatment period, generally needing at least a week or even longer. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What foods should I eat to regulate enteritis?

When dealing with colitis, dietary considerations are crucial. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided, as well as fatty, rich, spicy, stimulating, fried, grilled, and raw cold foods. The diet should primarily consist of light and easily digestible foods. Suitable options include porridge, such as yam porridge, barley porridge, and millet porridge, as well as soups like chicken soup and pork rib soup, and even noodles. Additionally, when consuming meat, ensure it is thoroughly stewed before eating. Increased physical activity is also recommended, as it can promote gastrointestinal motility and potentially improve digestive functions. Avoid staying up late and excessive physical strain to maintain a relaxed mood and avoid excessive anxiety and depression.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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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 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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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.