Acute enterocolitis is a fairly common disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. As a rule, the process extends to the tissues of the large and small intestine and is often accompanied by gastritis.
Acute enterocolitis: causes and forms of the disease
In fact, the inflammatory process can be caused by various factors, ranging from malnutrition to severe poisoning and infections. For example, enterocolitis in children can be caused by both the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms and malnutrition. Depending on the factor that caused the inflammation, the disease is divided into the following forms:
- bacterial enterocolitis develops against the background of infection, such as dysentery and salmonellosis; less commonly, inflammation is caused by intestinal dysbacteriosis;
- parasitic enterocolitis appears when the intestines are inhabited by some representatives of protozoa (for example, amoebas) or worms (helminths);
- toxic enterocolitis is associated with the penetration of hazardous chemicals, poisons into the bodyherbal and animal origin, as well as some drugs;
- the mechanical form of the disease is directly related to intestinal disorders, in particular, prolonged and frequent constipation;
- alimentary enterocolitis develops as a result of malnutrition;
- secondary enterocolitis are those diseases that appear as a complication of other diseases of the digestive tract.
Risk groups can also include people who abuse alcohol, as well as patients prone to allergies.
Intestinal enterocolitis: symptoms and signs of the disease
The disease is accompanied by very characteristic symptoms:
- First, there are sharp pulling pains that are localized near the navel, but can spread to other parts of the abdomen.
- Digestive problems appear - alternating diarrhea and constipation, nausea and vomiting.
- Quite often, enterocolitis is accompanied by an accumulation of gases in the intestines.
- If the inflammation is caused by an infection, then fever, weakness, headaches, body aches, blood in the stools are possible.
If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. In the absence of medical care, the disease can become chronic, which, in turn, gradually changes the structure and functioning of intestinal tissues.
Acute enterocolitis: diagnosis and treatment
Usuallythe diagnosis of the acute form of the disease does not cause any problems. The patient must take a blood and stool test - thus, it is possible to determine the presence of an infection. Sometimes x-rays and colonoscopy are also done.
As for the treatment, it includes several stages at once. To begin with, the patient's stomach is washed (especially if enterocolitis is caused by the use of toxic and poisonous substances).
In the first few days it is necessary to observe strict bed rest, as well as a fasting diet. To relieve pain, the doctor prescribes antispasmodics. It is also necessary to take a solution of "Regidron", which will prevent dehydration. Patients are also advised to drink prebiotics, which gradually normalize the microflora of the digestive tract. If acute enterocolitis is caused by an infection, a course of antibiotics is needed.
