Acute enteritis is one of the most common diseases of the digestive system. It is often associated with intestinal infections, including enteroviruses (Coxsackie, ECHO viruses) and other viruses, bacteria (such as bacilli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, cholera, and enterococci), intestinal amoebas, and Chinese Taxillus Herb worms. It can also be caused by improper diet, ingestion of excessive amounts of stale food leading to food poisoning, chemical and drug poisoning, or food allergies. Clinical manifestations include diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and fullness, accompanied by varying degrees of nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration or even shock. This disease can occur at any age, is more prevalent in summer and autumn, and is common in areas with poor public health. With clear disease causes and timely diagnosis and treatment, it can generally be cured.

bubble_chart Etiology

disease cause

1. Improper diet

   Often caused by overeating, consuming excessive amounts of high-fat and high-protein foods, excessive alcohol or cold beverages, or exposure to cold. Or eating spoiled or contaminated food, such as overnight food without reheating and sterilization, rotten fish and shrimp, stale crabs and seafood, meat stored in the refrigerator for too long, fermented and spoiled milk and dairy products. Mainly caused by irritating, raw, cold, spoiled, or contaminated food.

2. Intestinal infection

   Such as common infections by halophilic bacteria, Salmonella, large intestine bacteria, Proteus, and Staphylococcus.

3. Systemic infection

   Such as cold-damage disease, para-cold-damage disease, hepatitis, and sepsis.

4. Drug-induced

   Such as salicylate preparations, arsenic, mercury, and laxatives.

Acute enteritis is more common in summer, related to hot weather and food spoilage. By controlling the "disease entering through the mouth," acute enteritis can be significantly reduced.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. The main characteristics are abdominal pain and diarrhea. The onset is relatively acute, often with sudden symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Abdominal pain is most commonly observed around the navel, with paroxysmal intensification and varying degrees of tenderness. Diarrhea, the primary symptom, varies in severity. It has an acute onset and is mostly watery stool, generally without pus, blood, or mucus. The frequency ranges from several times to over ten times a day, presenting as yellow watery stool, possibly with foam or a small amount of mucus. In severe cases, a small amount of pus or blood may be present.

3. There may be fear of cold and fever, with the temperature generally not exceeding 39°C, though occasionally high fever above 39°C may occur. However, fever may also be absent, with only symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

4. In severe cases of diarrhea, low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration symptoms may occur.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

1. A history of unclean diet or overeating is often found upon further inquiry.
2. Stool examination typically shows no significant abnormalities other than thin fecal fluid; or only a small number of red and white blood cells may be present. Stool bacterial culture may reveal pathogens such as Salmonella. If it is a viral infection, the culture report is generally negative.
3. Routine blood tests may be normal or show only grade I leukocytosis.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. Anti-infection treatment: Generally, Coptis Rhizome extract or fluoroquinolone drugs are administered orally. If it is a viral infection, antiviral drugs are selected.
2. Symptomatic treatment: Antispasmodics can be chosen to relieve pain and diarrhea; antipyretics and analgesics can be used to reduce fever. If abdominal pain is severe, atropine or 654-2 injections may be administered.
3. If dehydration or collapse occurs, intravenous rehydration is necessary. If rehydration is temporarily unavailable, oral rehydration can be used. Drink plenty of water.
4. General treatment: Eliminate the disease cause, with severe cases requiring bed rest and temporary fasting. Gradually introduce easily digestible, bland foods and promptly replenish water and electrolytes.
5. Antibacterial treatment: Different antibiotics are selected based on the specific pathogen.
6. Symptomatic treatment: Relieve pain and stop diarrhea.