How is enteritis treated?

Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
Updated on April 10, 2025
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Gastroenteritis can generally be divided into viral gastroenteritis and bacterial gastroenteritis. In terms of treatment, the first is pathogen treatment, and the second is symptomatic treatment. For pathogen treatment, it is best to choose antibacterial drugs based on the type of bacteria for bacterial gastroenteritis; however, viral gastroenteritis generally does not require pathogen treatment, and most patients can recover on their own. For symptomatic treatment, since gastroenteritis may cause symptoms such as dehydration and vomiting, it is necessary to timely provide fluid replenishment to the patients to prevent mild dehydration.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of infant enteritis

Infantile enteritis is a very common disease during a child's growth and development, primarily characterized by an increased frequency of bowel movements, diarrhea, and a possible change in the consistency of the stool, such as it being watery or resembling egg flower soup. Additionally, if a child's bowel movements increase in frequency, it can easily lead to dehydration, causing the child to have a poor mental state, lethargy, and symptoms of dehydration such as sleepiness. If dehydration occurs, it is necessary to promptly take the child to the hospital for an electrolyte test. If there is an electrolyte imbalance, timely intravenous fluid therapy is required. If white blood cells are present in the child's stool, antibiotics should be administered for treatment.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of enteritis?

Enteritis is divided into acute enteritis and chronic enteritis. Acute enteritis is mainly caused by bacterial invasion of the gastrointestinal tract due to unhygienic food, leading to acute inflammation. The main symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, etc. If it is chronic enteritis, the main symptoms are only abdominal pain and diarrhea, with white mucus visible in the stool. Acute enteritis has a short course and a sudden onset. Chronic enteritis has a long history, a gradual onset, and recurrent attacks. The treatment of acute enteritis mainly involves anti-inflammatory measures, rehydration, and symptomatic treatment. Generally, the disease can be cured after two to three days of treatment. Treatment for chronic colitis primarily involves oral probiotics to regulate the intestinal flora. The treatment period is relatively long and the condition is prone to recurrence.

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Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
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What should not be eaten with enteritis?

Enteritis is generally caused by viral or bacterial infections, which can lead to an imbalance in intestinal flora, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, special attention should be paid to diet. It is important to avoid raw and cold foods, as well as irritating foods. Do not consume spoiled or deteriorated foods, and avoid drinking contaminated water. Fruits should not be eaten raw; they must be thoroughly washed. It is also best to develop the good habit of washing hands before meals and after using the toilet, and to enhance the cleanliness of the surrounding environment and personal hygiene.

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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 to treat enteritis diarrhea?

Patients with enteritis who experience diarrhea should generally use drugs that reduce intestinal motility and secretions. For instance, small doses of drugs like atropine and probenecidine can be used to ease intestinal movement, achieving pain relief and stopping diarrhea. Chlorpromazine can also be used, which has a sedative effect, and can inhibit the excessive secretion of intestinal mucosa caused by intestinal toxins, thus reducing the frequency and volume of stool. Naturally, these medications should be used under the correct guidance of a doctor and should not be purchased and used without prescription. Moreover, during diarrhea, it is important to pay attention to nutritional replenishment and to appropriately reduce dietary fiber for easier digestion. It may be beneficial to include liquid diets rich in micronutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Avoid milk and dairy products as well. Severe cases require immediate medical attention. Typically, food should be withheld during the first few days of the illness, and nutrients can be supplemented intravenously to give the intestines a temporary rest.