Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Enteritis is usually caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with bacteria or viruses. The germs settle in the small intestine and causes inflammation and swelling which may lead to abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration.

Enteritis may also be a result of:

An autoimmune condition, such as Crohn's disease
Certain drugs, including ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and cocaine
The inflammation frequently also involves 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:

Bacterial gastroenteritis
Campylobacter enteritis
E. coli enteritis
Food poisoning
Radiation enteritis
Salmonella enteritis
Shigella enteritis
Staph aureus food poisoning

Symptoms

The symptoms may begin soon after infection, or there can be a delay of several days.

Abdominal pain
Diarrhea - acute and severe
Loss of appetite
Vomiting - rare

Signs and tests

A stool culture may be done to determine the specific type of infection. A stool sample may reveal specific toxins. An upper endoscopy is sometimes needed.

Treatment

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 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 your doctor tells you to.

Expectations (prognosis)

The illness usually runs its course without treatment in a few days.

Complications

Dehydration
Prolonged diarrhea
Note: The diarrhea can cause rapid and extreme dehydration in babies.