Symptoms of newborn enteritis

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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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Symptoms of acute enteritis

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 if enteritis causes a fever?

Some patients with enteritis will develop fever as a complication. In treating the complication of fever in enteritis, we should actively treat it based on the cause of enteritis and manage the fever symptomatically. To reduce fever in enteritis, we can first use physical cooling methods, such as turning on the air conditioning, lowering the room temperature, or wearing less clothing. It is important to protect the abdomen from getting cold during this time. When the fever is severe, it is advisable to replenish with saline solutions, etc., to improve dehydration and balance electrolyte disturbances. It is also important to seek medical attention in a timely manner and to undergo treatment under the guidance of a doctor. For individuals who are suitable for antibiotic treatment, antibiotics should be administered based on the specific needs of the condition, and the treatment should include fever reduction, heat clearing, and anti-inflammatory measures according to the specific clinical situation.

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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.

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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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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.