Enteritis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Enteritis
File:Crohn's ileitis - biopsy, intermed. mag.1.jpg
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, nausea
Complications	Dehydration, malabsorption, intestinal perforation
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Varies (acute or chronic)
Types	N/A
Causes	Infection, autoimmune disease, radiation therapy, medications
Risks	Contaminated food, travel, immunosuppression
Diagnosis	Stool culture, endoscopy, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Rehydration therapy, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs
Medication	Antibiotics, corticosteroids
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	Rare (depends on cause and treatment)

Enteritis is an inflammation of the small intestine. It is most commonly caused by consuming food or water contaminated with pathogenic microbes. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and fever.

Causes

Enteritis can be caused by a variety of conditions, including infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. The most common cause is the consumption of food or water contaminated with pathogenic microbes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of enteritis can vary depending on the cause, but they often include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and fever. Other symptoms may include bloating, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of enteritis is typically based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. Additional tests, such as blood tests, stool tests, and imaging tests, may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause.

Treatment

The treatment of enteritis depends on the cause. In many cases, the condition can be managed with hydration and dietary modification. If the enteritis is caused by an infection, antibiotic or antiviral therapy may be necessary.

Prevention

Prevention of enteritis involves maintaining good hygiene and safe food handling practices. This includes washing hands regularly, especially before preparing or eating food, and ensuring that food is cooked and stored properly.

See also

• Gastroenteritis
• Colitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease