Acute Enteritis

Acute enteritis is the most common digestive system disease. It is often associated with intestinal infections including enteroviruses (coxsackievirus, echovirus), other viruses, bacteria (bacilli, Salmonella, S. aureus, cholera, intestinal Candida), intestinal amoebae, and parasites; also related to environmental changes, improper diet, food poisoning from stale food, chemical and drug poisoning, and food allergies. Clinical manifestations are diarrhea, abdominal pain, and distension with varying degrees of nausea and vomiting; severe cases may develop dehydration and even shock. It can occur at any age, more commonly in summer and autumn, and in areas with poor public sanitation. With clear etiology and prompt treatment, it generally resolves.

Common Symptoms

Limb weakness; abdominal tenderness; shock; diarrhea; abdominal pain; mucoid stool; nausea; dehydration

Causes and Pathogenesis

Often due to overeating, excessive high-fat high-protein food, excessive alcohol or cold beverages, or cold exposure; or eating spoiled/contaminated food such as unheated leftovers, rotten fish and shrimp, stale crab or seafood, meat stored long in the refrigerator, or fermented milk and dairy products. Mainly caused by irritating, cold, raw, or spoiled foods. Common infections include halophilic bacteria, Salmonella, E. coli, Proteus, and Staphylococcus. Salmonella is the main cause of acute gastroenteritis, especially S. typhimurium, S. enteritidis, S. choleraesuis, S. gallinarum, and S. anatis. Also associated with typhoid, paratyphoid, hepatitis, and sepsis. Chemical causes include salicylates, arsenic, mercury, and laxatives. Acute enteritis is more common in summer due to hot weather and food spoilage. Environmental changes cause traveler's diarrhea.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Summer and autumn are peak seasons for acute enteritis; pay attention to food hygiene, eat less cold/raw food, and avoid stale or leftover food; thoroughly wash raw fruits and vegetables. If diarrhea or abdominal pain occurs, take medication promptly and watch for special pathogens such as cholera, Shigella, or amoebae. Stop eating immediately if food poisoning occurs; seek prompt care for food allergy.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Gastroenterology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.