Is enteritis prone to recurrence?

Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 20, 2025
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Enteritis is primarily a disease of the intestines, with a higher incidence in autumn and summer, predominantly manifesting as acute enteritis during these times. The incubation period ranges from 12 to 36 hours, and the main symptoms may cause the patient to experience diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

There is also chronic enteritis, which occurs more slowly and causes repeated episodes of abdominal pain over a long period, including diarrhea and various degrees of indigestion. Changes can also be observed in the stool, which may be watery or mucus-laden. Patients with mild diarrhea might defecate three to four times a day. There might be alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients might experience bowel movements once every one to two hours, or even suffer from severe fecal incontinence. Sometimes, the stool might contain a large amount of mucus and possibly pus and blood, or even fresh blood, which necessitates ruling out other diseases. If enteritis is well-managed, it can be a long time before a recurrence, but if the treatment is not thoroughly standardized, enteritis is likely to recur.

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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. 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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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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What to do about enteritis in a one-year-old baby

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 Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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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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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 Li Ying
Gastroenterology
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What can you eat with enteritis?

Patients with enteritis primarily suffer from viral and bacterial infections, which can cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora, among other issues. Therefore, it is crucial for those with enteritis to pay attention to their diet during recovery. This includes avoiding spicy and irritating foods such as coffee, strong tea, and chili peppers, as these can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, patients should avoid overeating and instead aim for a regular eating schedule, making adjustments based on their specific recovery progress. It is also important to focus on rest and sleep, avoid stress and excessive pressure, as these factors can potentially worsen the symptoms of enteritis.