How to treat enteritis?

Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 02, 2025
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Patients with enteritis mainly suffer from a series of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc., due to viral and bacterial infections. Severe cases can lead to dehydration. Therefore, while providing symptomatic and etiological treatments, it is crucial to pay attention to dietary adjustments. This involves eating less irritating food and avoiding raw and cold foods, including contaminated water and uncooked fruits and vegetables, which should be thoroughly heated. Additionally, it's important to avoid uncooked eggs, meat, poultry, and other such foods, as well as cold foods, spicy peppers, strong tea, coffee, etc. Moreover, quitting smoking and alcohol is essential, as alcohol can particularly aggravate the intestines. It is also important to develop good dietary and lifestyle habits.

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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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.

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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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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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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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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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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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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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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.