Enteritis is an inflammatory disease of the human small intestine, in which dystrophic changes in the mucous membrane occur and the processes of absorption and digestion of food are disrupted.
Enteritis - what is it? Types of Enteritis
Chronic enteritis is classified by etiology, morphology, clinical and functional symptoms.
According to etiology, parasitic, alimentary, infectious, toxic, radiation, postoperative and drug enteritis are distinguished. In addition, the disease manifests itself with congenital malformations of the small intestine, valve insufficiency between the colon and small intestine, enzymeopathy, and secondary enteritis.
According to the anatomical and morphological changes, enteritis is isolated without serious violations of the mucous membrane, as well as with a moderate or subtotal degree of atrophy of epithelial cells and intestinal villi.
Clinically, the disease manifests itself in a mild, moderate or severe form. In chronic enteritis , the occurrence of remission and exacerbation phases is possible. Since enteritis is an inflammatory disease, it is necessary to begin treatment at the first sign of pathology in order to maintain intestinal health.
Functional disorders are characterized by specific symptoms - malabsorption of nutrients in the intestines, a change in food hydrolysis, enteric insufficiency and exudative enteropathy.
Causes of the disease
There may be several reasons for the appearance of disorders in the small intestine:
- infectious pathogens, intestinal parasites that progress and multiply in the small intestine;
- toxic substances (arsenic, lead and others);
- self-medication, prolonged use of antibiotics and other drugs;
- untreated acute enteritis;
- insufficient chewing of food, improper nutrition (eating spicy and fatty foods, fast food, overeating, food allergies);
- insufficient production of intestinal enzymes;
- the presence of concomitant diseases (pancreatitis, tuberculosis, cirrhosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, hepatitis).
Lack of proper treatment for chronic enteritis will contribute to dystrophic changes and inflammation in other parts of the digestive system (pancreas, gall bladder, stomach).
The clinical picture of enteritis
External manifestations of the disease include any malabsorption and assimilation of food. These include:
- sharp and rapid weight loss (a person loses up to 20 kg);
- the appearance of insomnia, severe irritability;
- decrease in labor activity;
- skin problems (thinning, dryness, peeling), hair loss, thickening of the nail plate and brittleness;
- tachycardia;
- muscle pain, weakness, paresis and cramps.
Due to impaired absorption of vitamins, the development of concomitant diseases is possible - hemeralopia, neuropathy, myopathy, cheilitis, glossitis, subcutaneous hemorrhage.
Enteric symptoms of enteritis
Enteritis in humans is characterized by a manifestation of pain in the abdomen in the navel, with palpation, the pain intensifies. The syndrome appears 2-3 hours after eating. The pain can have a different nature (dull, bursting, cramping).
This is due to malabsorption of bile acids in the distal small intestine. As a result of this, acids enter the colon and provoke a violation of the processes of absorption and digestion (diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, rumbling in the stomach). It is these signs that enteritis manifests itself.
What it is? In case of violation of the ileocecal valve (separates the thin and thick intestines), hummus may enter the small intestine, due to which it is seeded with harmful microorganisms.
Diagnosis of the disease
The initial diagnosis is based on a survey and a general examination of the patient, which includes palpation and percussion (tapping the abdominal wall). The next step is to conduct a coprogram. In a macroscopic study, odor, texture and color are determined, and in a microscopic study, the presence of fats, muscle fibers or starch in the analysis.
In order to identify infectious microorganisms and dysbiosis in the intestine, it is necessary to conduct a bacteriological examination of feces for enteritis. What it is? In chronic enteritis, a biochemical analysis of blood can reveal signs of insufficient absorption of nutrients in the small intestine (malabsorption syndrome).
Conducting an endoscopic examination of the small intestine causes many difficulties, since only a small part of it can be examined. During endoscopy, a biopsy of the mucous membrane is taken, which is necessary for histological analysis. In it, atrophy and dystrophy of epithelial cells and intestinal villi are most often noted.
X-ray examination allows to identify tumors, ulcers, changes in the structure of the folds of the small intestine. Before the study, a contrast agent is introduced into the body, which makes it possible to detect enteritis. What is it, the doctor will tell you. Differentiation of the disease requires a comprehensive examination using modern diagnostic methods.
The symptomatology of the disease has much in common with the clinical manifestations of other gastrointestinal pathologies. Therefore, differential diagnosis of enteritis with gastritis, pancreatic problems and tumors is necessary.
Any disease of the small intestine requires a thorough examination, since many similar symptoms entail an incorrect diagnosis and the appointment of an ineffective, in some cases even dangerous treatment that can aggravate the condition of the small intestine.
Acute Enteritis Treatment
Acute enteritis requires treatment in a hospital setting. Patients are prescribed a diet, bed rest, heavy drinking. Perhaps the appointment of hydration therapy. Treatment is aimed at general strengthening of the body and reducing the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms of the disease.
If enteritis is accompanied by a severe form of dysbiosis, it is necessary to take medications, the action of which is aimed at restoring the intestinal microflora. Diarrhea is eliminated through the use of astringents. If there is a violation of protein metabolism, it is necessary to introduce polypeptide solutions into the body.
On average, the duration of treatment is 7-10 days. During this time, the acute symptoms of the disease stop, and health is strengthened. Enteritis, the treatment of which lasts less, is not completely cured and provokes repeated manifestations of unpleasant and painful symptoms.
If the disease is toxic or infectious in nature, the patient must be hospitalized.
Chronic enteritis treatment
In chronic enteritis, the treatment is practically the same. Need the same diet and bed rest. In case of violation of the production of digestive enzymes, they are prescribed in the form of enzyme preparations ("Festal", "Pancreatin"). It is also necessary to take medications that ensure the absorption and restoration of cell membranes of intestinal epithelial cells.
Enteritis, the treatment of which is carried out in accordance with the doctor's prescriptions, quickly ceases to bother. However, the chronic form is characterized by frequent phases of exacerbations and remissions.
Concomitant dysbiosis must be treated with eubiotics and probiotics, which restore the beneficial intestinal microflora. If the symptoms of enteritis occur against the background of the appearance of neoplasms in the small intestine (diverticula, polyps), then their surgical removal is first necessary, and only then can the symptoms of the disease be stopped.
Enteritis diet
With enteritis, diet No. 4 is prescribed. It includes lean meat or fish that can be boiled, baked or fried. It is imperative to prepare soups on meat, fish, vegetable or mushroom broths. It is recommended to finely chop vegetables, in some cases even cereals should be wiped through a sieve.
Of dairy products, kefir and sour milk are preferred. Such drinks allow you to quickly restore the intestines, improve its function and inhabit beneficial microorganisms.
Plant products are best consumed after heat treatment. Boil vegetables, bake or fry, and from fruit you can cook compote, jelly or rub with sugar. Very useful will be tea with lemon, broths of wild rose, berries and bran.
Enteritis Prevention
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Measures that prevent intestinal enteritis include:
- balanced diet;
- the use of only high-quality and fresh products;
- lack of toxic substances in food (berries and mushrooms of unknown origin should not be consumed);
- compliance with personal hygiene;
- thorough food processing;
- taking medications as prescribed by doctors;
- timely visits to medical facilities to detect gastrointestinal diseases, as well as violations of endocrine and metabolic processes in the body.
If all preventive measures are followed, the development of digestive diseases and disorders can be prevented, and a healthy lifestyle will help maintain your health at the highest level.
Enteritis in a puppy
In dogs, the disease manifested relatively recently, but its progression provokes high mortality among puppies. An infection that affects the intestines of animals is not dangerous for humans, but it quickly develops in the body of young dogs and causes serious structural and functional disorders.
Enteritis in the puppy is manifested by lethargy, fever, and when stroking the sides or pressing on the stomach, the dog will arch its back and tighten its tail, which indicates a pain syndrome. With these symptoms, you must consult your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.