enteritis

enteritis, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Acute enteritis is not usually serious except in infants and older people, in whom the accompanying diarrhea can cause dehydration through the loss of fluids. The condition known as regional enteritis (Crohn's disease) is a chronic disease that occurs most frequently in young adults, producing a segmented thickening of the bowel wall and narrowing of the bowel opening (lumen). The lower portion of the small intestine is usually affected, but the infection can extend up to the esophagus and down into the colon. Clinical symptoms include mild, intermittent diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fever. In prolonged cases there may be anemia and nutritional deficiency. The term enteritis is sometimes applied to the conditions of gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach commonly caused by food poisoning) and ulcerative colitis. Surgery may be necessary to treat severe complications such as abscesses and obstructions.

In medicine, enteritis refers to inflammation of the small intestine. See also inflammation of related organs of the gastrointestinal system: gastritis (stomach), gastroenteritis (stomach and small intestine), colitis (large intestine), and enterocolitis (large and small intestine).

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, abdominal distension and hematochezia.

If there is vomiting, gastroenteritis is the more correct diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Generally a good history is the most important tool in distinguishing serious cases of enteritis from self-limiting ones. The presence of blood in the faeces, dehydration, cutaneous eruptions, presumed link with food exposure, as well as recent travel to endemic areas can prompt further investigation.

Acute enteritis is usually due to bacteria or viruses. When food is involved, foodborne illness is to be suspected. If other family members or members of the household are affected, this may signify infectious causes.

Chronic enteritis can be due to Crohn's disease, giardiasis, tuberculosis, coeliac disease, or rarely due to Whipple's disease.

Treatment

Viral diarrhea is usually self-limiting and is treated with rehydration. When bacterial causes are suspected (recent travel, food poisoning), antibiotics can be considered.

Chronic enteritides are treated according to the diagnosis (please refer to individual articles).

See also

• Enteropathy