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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Definition Return to top
Enteritis is inflammation of the small intestine.
Causes Return to top
Enteritis is usually caused by eating or drinking substances that are contaminated with bacteria or viruses. The germs settle in the small intestine and cause inflammation and swelling, which may lead to abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration.
Enteritis may also be caused by:
The inflammation can also involve the stomach (gastritis) and large intestine (colitis).
Risk factors include recent family illness with intestinal symptoms, recent travel, or exposure to untreated or contaminated water.
Types of enteritis include:
Symptoms Return to top
The symptoms may begin hours to days after you become infected. Symptoms may include:
Exams and Tests Return to top
A stool culture may be done to determine the specific type of infection, however, this test may not always identify the bacteria causing the illness.
Treatment Return to top
Mild cases usually need no treatment.
Antidiarrheal medication may delay the organism from leaving the digestive tract, and therefore may not be recommended.
Rehydration with electrolyte solutions may be necessary if dehydration occurs.
Persons with diarrhea (especially young children) who are unable to drink fluids because of nausea may need medical care and fluids through a vein ( intravenous fluids) .
If you take diuretics and develop diarrhea, you may need to stop taking the diuretic during the acute episode. Do not stop taking any medicine unless told to do so by your health care provider.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Symptoms usually go away without treatment in a few days.
Possible Complications Return to top
Note: The diarrhea can cause rapid and extreme dehydration in babies.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
Prevention Return to top
References Return to top
DuPont HL. Approach to the patient with suspected enteric infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 305.
Update Date: 10/18/2008 Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Page last updated: 29 January 2009 |