Enteritis is a medical term used to describe inflammation of the small intestine. This inflammation disrupts the normal functions of the small bowel, which is primarily responsible for the final stages of digestion and the absorption of nutrients and water from food. When the lining of the small intestine becomes inflamed, its ability to process food and absorb fluids is impaired. This often leads to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The Different Forms and Triggers of Enteritis
Enteritis is categorized based on its underlying cause, with infectious agents being the most frequent trigger. Infectious enteritis occurs when the small intestine is contaminated by pathogens, often through consuming tainted food or water. Viral causes, such as Norovirus and Rotavirus, are common, typically causing a self-limiting illness that resolves within a few days. Bacterial infections, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Campylobacter, generally lead to more severe symptoms and are often associated with food poisoning.
Enteritis can also be a side effect of medical treatments, particularly radiation therapy directed at the abdominal or pelvic area for cancer treatment. Radiation enteritis develops because the high-energy radiation damages the healthy cells lining the small intestine. This damage leads to inflammation, which can manifest acutely during treatment or become a chronic issue persisting for months or even years afterward.
Specific chemical irritants, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can induce inflammation, leading to drug-induced enteritis. Certain chemotherapy drugs may similarly irritate the intestinal lining. Furthermore, enteritis can be a component of broader inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, which arise from the irritation and swelling within the small intestine. Diarrhea, often described as watery, is a predominant symptom because the inflamed bowel struggles to absorb water, causing an increased volume of fluid to be expelled.
Patients often experience nausea, vomiting, and a corresponding loss of appetite, which further complicates the ability to maintain hydration and nutrition. A low-grade fever may also be present, especially in cases of infectious enteritis, as the body’s immune system responds to the invading pathogen. In some instances, particularly with certain bacterial infections, the inflammation can cause bleeding that results in bloody stool or mucus discharge from the rectum.
A serious concern is the rapid onset of dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid and electrolytes than it takes in, presenting as excessive thirst, dark urine, and fatigue. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health issues are particularly susceptible to severe dehydration. Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms include signs of severe dehydration, a high fever over 102°F, or the presence of blood in the stool or vomit.
Confirming the Diagnosis and Treatment Options
A healthcare provider typically begins the diagnostic process by reviewing the patient’s medical history and conducting a physical examination, noting abdominal tenderness. To determine the specific cause, particularly in suspected infectious cases, a stool sample may be collected and analyzed. This stool culture helps identify the presence of specific bacterial or parasitic pathogens causing the illness.
Blood tests may also be used to check for signs of infection, such as elevated white blood cell counts, and to assess electrolyte levels and the extent of dehydration. For cases of chronic or persistent enteritis, imaging tests like CT scans or procedures like an endoscopy may be performed to visualize the small intestine lining and collect tissue samples. The goal of diagnosis is to accurately identify the underlying trigger, which guides the subsequent treatment strategy.
The treatment for enteritis is generally centered on supportive care, as most viral infections resolve on their own within a few days. The most important supportive measure is rehydration, which involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes, often through oral rehydration solutions. Patients are advised to rest and temporarily adopt a bland diet, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, to minimize irritation to the inflamed bowel.
Specific treatments are reserved for non-viral causes. For confirmed bacterial enteritis, antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or azithromycin may be prescribed to eliminate the infection, though they are ineffective against viral enteritis. For non-infectious forms, such as chronic radiation enteritis, anti-inflammatory medications may be used to manage persistent inflammation. In severe cases involving profound dehydration, patients may require intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement in a hospital setting.