Treatment of enteritis

Enteritis is an inflammation of the small intestine that affects the process of digestion and absorption of nutrients. It is in this part of the digestive tract that most vitamins, microelements, and fluid are absorbed, therefore even a short-term inflammatory process may affect the general well-being and lead to dehydration.

Most often, intestinal enteritis occurs after intestinal infections, food poisoning, or under the influence of toxic factors. In an acute course, symptoms appear suddenly — these may be abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness. If treatment is started untimely or the provoking factor continues to act, the disease may progress into a chronic form and provoke the development of complications.

Timely consultation with a doctor allows to determine the cause of inflammation, select a justified therapy, and prevent the development of complications. Sign up for a consultation with a gastroenterologist at the medical center “Oxford Medical” at a time convenient for you — use the online booking form or contact by the specified phone number.

The development of enteritis is associated with the action of factors that damage the mucous membrane of the small intestine and trigger the inflammatory process. The causes may be both infectious and non-infectious.

The most common causes of enteritis are:

• intestinal infections — bacterial, viral, in particular intestinal flu, or parasitic, which enter the body with water or food;
• food poisoning and the toxic effects of poor-quality products;
• prolonged or uncontrolled use of certain medications, in particular antibiotics;
• disturbance of the intestinal microflora;
• enzyme deficiency and other diseases of the digestive system;
• hypersensitivity reactions, in particular food allergy.

Sometimes enteritis occurs as a complication of other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract or after previous infections. Establishing the specific cause is important for the correct choice of treatment tactics and prevention of recurrent episodes.

With a prolonged course, weight loss, dry skin, brittle nails, and other signs of impaired absorption of vitamins and microelements are possible. If the symptoms persist for more than several days or worsen, it is worth consulting a doctor.

Examination in case of suspected enteritis begins with a consultation with a gastroenterologist: the doctor уточняет complaints, the duration of symptoms, a possible connection with nutrition or a previous infection.

To confirm the diagnosis, the following may be prescribed:

• a complete blood count — allows assessment of the presence of an inflammatory process and signs of dehydration;
• a biochemical blood test — helps determine electrolyte imbalance;
• a coprological stool examination — assesses digestion and absorption;
• bacteriological stool culture — to identify the infectious pathogen;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs — to exclude concomitant diseases;
• according to indications — endoscopic examinations of the small intestine.

Comprehensive diagnosis of enteritis allows establishing the cause of enteritis and selecting justified treatment.

Treatment tactics depend on the cause of inflammation of the small intestine, the severity of the condition, and the presence of complications. The main tasks are to eliminate the pathogen or provoking factor, compensate for fluid loss, and normalize the functioning of the small intestine.

In the acute period, therapy includes:

• rehydration — restoration of fluid and electrolytes (special saline solutions orally or intravenously in case of severe dehydration);
• enterosorbents — to reduce intoxication;
• antispasmodics — for pain;
• antibacterial drugs — only in confirmed bacterial infection;
• probiotics — to restore microflora after infection or antibiotic therapy.

In viral enteritis, specific antiviral therapy is usually not required — treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms, preventing dehydration, and supporting the body until recovery on its own.

In a prolonged or chronic course, treatment provides for:

• correction of dysbiosis (probiotics, prebiotics);
• enzyme preparations in the presence of signs of impaired digestion and absorption of food;
• elimination of provoking factors (irrational nutrition);
• treatment of concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In case of a severe course of the disease, pronounced dehydration, hospitalization may be required. Inpatient treatment makes it possible to carry out infusion therapy, monitor electrolyte balance, and constantly observe the patient's condition.

After the acute period, it is important to reduce the load on the small intestine and gradually restore its function. In addition to dietary correction, rehabilitation includes restoration of the water-electrolyte balance, normalization of the intestinal microflora, and control of possible deficiencies of vitamins and microelements. According to indications, the doctor may recommend probiotics or enzyme preparations. In the first weeks, it is also worth limiting intense physical activity so that the body has enough resources for recovery.

The diet for enteritis should include:

• liquid and semi-liquid dishes: rice decoction, mucous soups, liquid oatmeal or rice porridge cooked in water;
• mashed potatoes without butter;
• boiled or steamed chicken fillet or turkey, ground into puree or soufflé;
• steamed cutlets made from lean meat;
• dried white bread or crackers;
• sufficient fluid intake — water, weak tea, rehydration solutions.

The diet for enteritis also предусматривает temporary exclusion of milk, fatty and fried food, raw vegetables and fruits, legumes, sweets, carbonated drinks, and alcohol.

After normalization of bowel movements, the diet is expanded gradually — baked vegetables, fermented milk products with low fat content, and lean fish are added. New products are introduced one at a time in order to assess tolerance. This approach allows the mucous membrane to recover and reduces the risk of repeated exacerbation.

Prevention of enteritis is aimed at preventing infectious contamination and minimizing factors that may damage the mucous membrane of the small intestine.

Main recommendations:

• observe the rules of personal hygiene — wash hands before eating and after visiting public places;
• consume only high-quality products and clean water;
• heat-treat meat, fish, and eggs;
• avoid storing prepared dishes at room temperature;
• do not take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription;
• treat diseases of the digestive system in a timely manner.

If there have already been episodes of enteritis, it is important to follow dietary recommendations and undergo follow-up examinations. This makes it possible to reduce the risk of repeated inflammation and maintain stable functioning of the digestive system.

The cost of treatment depends on the cause of the disease, the severity of the course and, accordingly, the scope of diagnostics and treatment methods. In each case, the examination and therapy plan is selected individually after a doctor's consultation.

You can familiarize yourself with the price of consultations here in advance. To make an appointment and receive the necessary medical services, contact the contact center or use the online booking form on the website.