Glossary of Medical and Health Terms

Enteritis

In medicine, enteritis refers to inflammation of the small intestine. See also inflammation of related organs of the gastrointestinal system: gastritis (stomach), gastroenteritis (stomach and small intestine), colitis (large intestine), and enterocolitis (large and small intestine).

Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, abdominal distension and hematochezia.

Generally a good history is the most important tool in distinguishing serious cases of enteritis from self-limiting ones. The presence of blood in the faeces, dehydration, cutaneous eruptions, presumed link with food exposure, as well as recent travel to endemic areas can prompt further investigation.

Acute enteritis is usually due to bacteria or viruses. When food is involved, foodborne illness is to be suspected. If other family members or members of the household are affected, this may signify infectious causes.

Chronic enteritis can be due to Crohn's disease, giardiasis, tuberculosis, coeliac disease, or rarely due to Whipple's disease.

Associated ICD-10 codes: A02.-A09., K50.-K55.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enteritis

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