Enteritis – Inflammation of the intestines refers to a group of conditions that occur when bacteria or toxins adversely affect the gut. A characteristic symptom is chronic diarrhea that prevents normal functioning during the day. An immediate recommendation in the case of inflammation of the intestine is a strict diet and hydration of the body.
In this article, Niketrainers.com.co will tell you:
What is enterocolitis?
Inflammation of the intestines is a series of diseases characterized by digestive problems and the presence of accompanying symptoms. Inflammation can affect both the small and large intestines, and sometimes the entire lower digestive tract. The disease occurs as a result of infection with bacteria or the influence of ingested toxins on the intestines. Characteristic accompanying patients isdiarrhea, which unfortunately makes it impossible to function normally during the day (at work, at school). Inflammation of the intestines can sometimes be autoimmune.
Inflammation of the intestines – causes
Inflammation of the intestines is most often caused by bacteria (e.g. botulinum toxin) and other microorganisms (rotaviruses, yeasts). It also happens that the cause of inflammation are toxins present in the food we eat – for example those that contain pesticides. Using them in excess causes ailments, so you should follow the rules of proper use of plant protection products. Medications and heavy metal poisoning are of great importance. Inflammation of the intestines can also occur as a result of dietary errors and inflammatory diseases of the immune system mainly confined to the ileum, although inflammation may extend to the entire gastrointestinal tract. It is manifested by abdominal pain, diarrhea, lack of appetite, high temperature and bloody stools. In addition, the disease often occurs after mushroom poisoning (e.g. toadstool).
Inflammation of the intestinal mucosa is influenced in turn by:
- eating a lot of hard-to-digest foods,
- alcohol and harmful chemical and physical factors contained in it,
- eating lots of spicy and too hot (or too cold) food.
It is worth knowing that enteritis occurs after eating foods that contain staphylococcal toxins. They can be found, among others, in ice cream, canned food or milk dishes. They can release very strong toxins that can cause food poisoning. Perform lab tests to help diagnose the cause of your bowel inflammation and be able to provide effective treatment.
The most common infection is caused by rotaviruses, less often by adenoviruses or astroviruses. This condition is commonly called stomach flu. It manifests itself in diarrhea, vomiting and high temperature. Infection with viruses occurs through inadequate personal hygiene (preparation of meals in poor conditions, no hand washing). In the treatment of ailments, it is important to prevent dehydration of the patient. In addition, preparations are used to prevent vomiting and anti-diarrheal agents. The virus is usually fought off within a few days.
When it comes to bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella strains) – they are the less common cause of enteritis. They can multiply in food and water. Unlike viral infections, bacterial infections occur mainly in summer when food is exposed to high temperatures.
When talking about the causes of enteritis, it is worth mentioning travelers’ diarrhea. It is a specific form of bacterial enteritis that occurs in people who travel to exotic countries. Very often this type of diarrhea is called pharaoh’s revenge. It arises as a result of infection with E. coli bacteria, when the rules of personal hygiene are not followed correctly, in countries where the body is not used to a different rich bacterial flora.
Inflammation of the intestine can affect the small and large sections, but often affects the entire section of the bowel. The most characteristic and bothersome symptom is diarrhea accompanied by fever, weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, chills, and fever or low-grade fever. In addition, inflammation of the intestines may cause a patient to malabsorb vitamins or minerals contained in food. If we recognize all symptoms, we can expect viral colitis – in this case, please consult your primary care physician.
Celiac disease as chronic enteritis
Celiac disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that responds to the action of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in many grains, such as barley, wheat or rye. This disease usually has a genetic background and is predisposed to coexistence with other immune disorders such as Down’s syndrome, Turner syndrome or thyroid disease.
Patients with celiac disease develop:
- digestive disorders of foods containing gluten,
- anemia,
- herpetic dermatitis,
- depression,
- migraine,
- sometimes epilepsy,
- problems with the proper development of children.
Testing 4 gene mutations causing celiac disease is the most effective method of diagnosis.
Under no circumstances should this disease be underestimated, as serious complications may occur, such ascancer of the esophagusor throat or lymphoma of the small intestine. The most important thing in the treatment of celiac disease is to eliminate gluten-containing products from your diet. After their discontinuation, symptoms should disappear within a dozen or so days.
Enteritis and diagnosis
The diagnosis of enteritis is usually made on the basis of a medical history and the following:
- colonoscopy with the collection of a mucosa section for histopathological examination,
- radiological examination of the intestines,
- virtual colonoscopy (not very popular examination) based on computed tomography and the use of a capsule containing a camera. The capsule has the ability to pass through the entire digestive tract, thanks to which it takes pictures of its interior. Then, after her expulsion, the photos are analyzed by a specialist.
You can also measure the level of calprotectin, a marker of inflammation in your bowel, in your stools.
Inflammation of the intestines – treatment
At-home pre-medical aid in intestinal inflammations consists in the patient following a strict diet (bitter tea, biscuits) and consuming plenty of fluids. Hydration of the sick body is the primary treatment for viral and bacterial enteritis. The patient should be given an aqueous solution containing large amounts of potassium, sodium, glucose, carbonic acid and sucrose. The sugar content in the liquid is important for the effective supply of the body with potassium and sodium ions, which are easily removed from the body during poisoning. In addition, it is worth using aprobiotic for intestinal inflammation, which will help reduce unpleasant ailments.
During the illness, the patient should be calm and avoid physical exertion and high temperatures. However, there are severe cases of enteritis that require hospitalization. The fluids are then administered intravenously.