Enteritis

Enteritis means inflammation of the small intestine. When your intestine becomes irritated or inflamed, it can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and difficulty absorbing nutrients. Pathologists use the term “enteritis” when they examine tissue samples from the intestine and notice inflammation.

What are the symptoms of enteritis?

Symptoms of enteritis can vary depending on the cause and severity of the inflammation. Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea, which may be watery or contain blood.

• Abdominal pain or cramping.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Loss of appetite.

• Fever or chills (especially if an infection is involved).

• Weight loss or difficulty absorbing nutrients, especially in cases of chronic enteritis.

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to more severe problems that significantly affect daily life.

What causes enteritis?

Many conditions can cause enteritis, including:

• Infections: Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can irritate and inflame the intestine, causing enteritis. Common examples include bacterial infections, such as Salmonella, and viral infections, like norovirus.

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis often cause ongoing inflammation in the intestine.

• Autoimmune disorders: Certain autoimmune conditions, such as celiac disease, can lead to chronic enteritis.

• Medication effects: Some medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can irritate the intestine and cause inflammation.

• Radiation therapy: Radiation treatments targeting cancers in the abdomen or pelvis can sometimes cause inflammation of the small intestine.

Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and test results to determine the specific cause of enteritis in your case.

What is the difference between active and chronic enteritis?

Pathologists commonly describe enteritis as either active or chronic based on the types of inflammatory cells they see under the microscope.

• Active enteritis: Active inflammation is typically short-term (acute) and features immune cells called neutrophils. This normally indicates a recent injury, infection, or intestinal irritation. Active enteritis often causes symptoms like sudden abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever.

• Chronic enteritis: Chronic inflammation persists for a prolonged period (months or even years) and is characterized by the presence of immune cells, including lymphocytes and plasma cells. This long-term inflammation typically results from ongoing issues, such as autoimmune conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease), or repeated irritation. Chronic enteritis often causes persistent symptoms, including chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and difficulty absorbing nutrients.

Sometimes, active and chronic inflammation can appear together. Your doctor will consider the overall pattern to decide the best approach for treatment.

Why is identifying enteritis important?

Recognizing enteritis helps your doctor identify the underlying reason for your symptoms. By pinpointing inflammation through microscopic examination, pathologists provide crucial information. This information helps guide your doctor in selecting appropriate treatments, further tests, and lifestyle or dietary adjustments. Proper treatment and management of enteritis can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What is causing the inflammation (enteritis) in my intestine?

• Is the enteritis active (acute), chronic, or both?

• What additional tests or procedures will I need?

• What treatment options are available based on this diagnosis?

• Are there dietary or lifestyle changes I can make to improve my symptoms?

• Will I require ongoing monitoring or follow-up appointments?

• Could my family members also be at risk, and should they be tested?

• What signs or symptoms should prompt me to seek immediate medical attention?