Enteritis
Enteritis is inflammation of the small intestine, most frequently the result of consuming contaminated food or drink. There are many reasons that consumption of contaminated foodstuffs may take place and certain individuals may be susceptible to the condition than others. Lack of sanitation and improper food or beverage storage are the most common reasons for outbreaks of enteritis.
Causes of Enteritis
The cause of most cases of enteritis is eating or drinking something contaminated with bacteria or viruses.The illness can also be transmitted by touching a contaminated surface and then touching one's mouth. Symptoms result when the ingested pathogens come to reside in the intestinal tract, resulting in inflammation and swelling of the region.
Other, less common, causes of enteritis include:
- Autoimmune conditions, such Crohn's or celiac disease
- Certain medications or drugs, such as ibuprofen or cocaine
- Radiation therapy or accidental exposure to radiation
- Exposure to intestinal germs via contact with human or animal waste
Risk factors that increase the chances of contracting enteritis include exposure to a person already suffering from the disorder, travel to a region with poor sanitation, or ingesting contaminated water or improperly prepared or preserved food. Infants, young children, the elderly and patients suffering from chronic diseases are at increased risk of developing enteritis.
Types of Enteritis
There are a number of pathogens that can cause enteritis, including bacteria such as:
- E. coli
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Campylocbacter
Viruses such as rotavirus and corona virus can also be responsible for enteritis.
Symptoms of Enteritis
Symptoms of enteritis may begin within hours of being infected or may only become evident days after exposure. The uncomfortable and debilitating symptoms of enteritis include:
- Abdominal pain
- Severe cramping
- Acute and persistent diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
A bout of enteritis typically leaves the patient exhausted and depleted. Untreated, enteritis can lead to serious dehydration and even be life-threatening.
Diagnosis of Enteritis
Apart from physical examination and medical history of symptoms, doctors may diagnose enteritis by taking a stool culture, an upper endoscopy, a colonoscopy (possibly including a biopsy), and either a CT or MRI scan.
Treatment of Enteritis
Most cases of mild enteritis resolve without medication, as long as the patient is able to maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance. For the latter, sports drinks containing electrolytes, as well as plain water, may be helpful. Some doctors may advise the use of anti-diarrheal medications, but this may be contraindicated because such medicines prevent the expulsion from the body of the germs causing the problem.
If diagnostic tests indicate that the patient has a bacterial form of enteritis, antibiotics are usually prescribed. Patients who are taking prescribed diuretics for other conditions are usually instructed to stop taking them until the illness has passed. For infants and young children, the elderly, and patients with underlying disease conditions, intravenous hydration may be necessary. Patients who suffer from Crohn's disease most often have to take anti-inflammatory medications during a bout of enteritis.
Prevention of Enteritis
There is no surefire way to prevent all cases of enteritis, but the following recommendations can lower one's risk of developing the disorder:
- Always wash hands after using the toilet
- Always wash hands before eating or food preparation
- In the absence of soap and clean water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Boil water from unknown sources
- Use only clean utensils for eating or handling foods
- Cook food thoroughly.
- Keep food appropriately chilled or heated
- Use care when handling uncooked eggs, meat, fish or poultry
While these preventive measures cannot ensure safety, they go a long way to lessening the risk of contracting enteritis.