Jejunitis

Jejunitis is an inflammation of the jejunum, the second part of the small intestine. It can be caused by various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption of nutrients.

Causes

Jejunitis can be caused by a variety of conditions. These include:

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause inflammation in the jejunum. This is often associated with food poisoning or traveler's diarrhea.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease can cause inflammation in the small intestine, including the jejunum.
• Medications: Certain drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause inflammation in the small intestine.

Symptoms

The symptoms of jejunitis can vary depending on the cause and severity of the inflammation. They can include:

• Abdominal pain: This is often the first symptom of jejunitis. The pain is usually located in the middle or lower part of the abdomen.
• Diarrhea: This can be watery or bloody, depending on the cause of the inflammation.
• Malabsorption: This can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of jejunitis is usually based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. Additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of the inflammation. These can include:

• Blood tests: These can help to identify infections or autoimmune diseases.
• Stool tests: These can help to identify infections or parasites.
• Endoscopy: This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the small intestine to examine it and take tissue samples for testing.

Treatment

The treatment of jejunitis depends on the cause of the inflammation. It can include:

• Antibiotics: These are used to treat bacterial infections.
• Antiparasitic drugs: These are used to treat parasitic infections.
• Dietary changes: These can help to manage symptoms and prevent further inflammation. This can include a gluten-free diet for celiac disease or a low-residue diet for Crohn's disease.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the inflamed part of the intestine.

See also

• Enteritis
• Gastroenteritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Jejunitis Resources
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