This is the inflammation of the small intestine that often is caused by the consumption of food or liquid contaminated with microbes. In some cases, the inflammation can also involve the neighboring parts of the tract such as the gastroenteritis (the stomach and the small intestine) or the colon. The small intestine functions for the digestion of the food and the absorption of the nutrients. It extends from the stomach up to the large intestine and is one of the longest alimentary tracts. The mucosal lining of the small intestines contributes various enzymes for the digestion of the food and include maltase, sucrose, peptidases lipase and iso-maltase. This condition can affect any part of the small intestine such as the duodenum, ileum, jejunum or the entire small intestine. The inflammation of the small intestine can affect the absorption of nutrients that usually results in the clinical presentation. As the result of the swelling, the microenvironment of the small intestine can also become disturbed. Some of the different types of enteritis include radiation enteritis, bacterial gastroenteritis, shigella enteritis, salmonella enteritis and campylobacter enteritis.
Causes
There are various types of this condition and the common one includes the viral or bacterial infection, alcohol induced, radiation induced or enteritis associated with inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis. Some of the common types of bacterial infections may be caused by staphylococcus aureus, clostridium botulinum, escherichia coli and salmonella spp.
Symptoms
The symptoms of enteritis include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bleeding or presence of mucus discharge from the rectum and the loss of appetite. It is important to get medical help particularly when fever is over 38 degrees celcius, blood in the stool or the symptoms continues for more than four days. The dehydration resulting from this condition requires medical attention and the symptoms can include dry mouth, less quantity of urine, dark colored urine, lack of tears and sunken eyes.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the medical history of the affected individual, physical examination and various tests. A stool culture can help with the identification of the type of infection although this test does not always detect the bacteria responsible for the condition. A CT or an MRI scan may be necessary along with a colonoscopy or an upper endoscopy to evaluate the small intestine and to remove a small tissue sample if required.
Treatment
The mild form of this condition usually does not require any treatment as it tends to resolve on its own within a few days. However, individuals with diarrhea or vomiting must replenish the lost fluids by rehydration with electrolyte solutions. The severe case may require intravenous fluids and medications to treat the condition.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001149.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/enteritis/overview.html
