How to treat enteritis in children

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 28, 2024
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How to treat enteritis in children? First, it is necessary to assess whether the enteritis is caused by a virus or a bacterial infection.

If it is simply viral enteritis, the first step generally involves rehydration, which can be provided through oral rehydration salts to replenish fluids and electrolytes. Additionally, probiotics such as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus acidophilus can be given to regulate the intestinal flora, and smectite can be used to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa. If it is viral diarrhea, antiviral medications can also be added to the treatment.

If the diarrhea is considered to be caused by a bacterial infection in the intestines, some antibiotics can be administered orally, including cephalosporins or penicillin antibiotics. If the infection is severe, intravenous therapy may be necessary.

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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.

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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.

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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 department should I go to for enteritis?

Many friends with poor gastrointestinal health feel confused when seeking medical treatment. When registering, we are not sure which department to visit. We describe enteritis as an inflammatory disease, primarily including specific inflammations or non-specific ones caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc., such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and others. There are also localized types of enteritis, which can be divided into acute and chronic based on the duration of the illness. For example, acute enteritis can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while chronic can mainly manifest as constipation and other symptoms, with some patients also experiencing fever and a sense of urgency followed by straining. Therefore, the treatment methods for enteritis vary. During medical consultations, it is generally recommended for patients to visit the department of gastroenterology as it falls under the category of gastrointestinal diseases. Of course, the proctology department is also an option, and a portion of the cases can be correctly diagnosed and treated in proctology.

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Can you drink alcohol with enteritis?

Can patients with enteritis drink alcohol? Patients with acute enteritis must abstain from alcohol during the illness. For those with chronic enteritis, it is also advisable to control their alcohol consumption, trying to drink less or even not at all. This is because alcohol can easily irritate the gastrointestinal tract, damage the mucous membrane of the gut, and further affect the digestive and absorption functions of the stomach and intestines. This can exacerbate the condition of enteritis and pose greater risks to health. Additionally, it is also important to avoid other spicy and irritating foods, as well as cold, hard substances. Drinking less strong tea and consuming more bland, warm, and soft foods can help with digestion.