Enteritis refers to swelling and irritation of the small intestine. This part of the intestine connects the colon or large intestine to the stomach and is split into three sections, called the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Enteritis may occur in any or all of the sections and is most frequently caused by bacterial or viral illness. Presence of long-term enteritis that is not infectious is called chronic enteritis, and may result from conditions affecting the intestinal tract like Crohn’s or celiac disease.

Enteritis is initially suspected when a person experiences discomfort in the abdomen, diarrhea, and bloating of the abdomen due to excess accumulation of gas. Occasionally, bowel movements are black signifying internal bleeding. This fourth symptom, called hematochezia, may be misdiagnosed if one is taking medications like Pepto Bismol® which naturally dyes the stools black for several days.

Surprisingly, enteritis is not associated with nausea or vomiting. When these symptoms are present, along with the four main symptoms of enteritis, the condition is referred to as gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis may have exactly the same causes but results in slightly different symptoms.

Most cases of enteritis are caused by viral illnesses. These cases tend to also have symptoms like minor fever and are usually over within a few days. Viral illnesses causing enteritis tend to require rest and proper intake of fluids to restore one to health. Any illness that causes diarrhea needs to be treated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration.

Bacteria responsible for enteritis usually enter the body through improperly prepared food. Common bacteria responsible for enteritis are salmonella, listeria, and E. Coli. When more than one person gets sick after eating the same food from the same source, bacterial enteritis is suspected. Symptoms lasting for longer than two days warrant contacting a physician. E. Coli and listeria can both result in serious complications. Treatment for bacterial enteritis is usually antibiotics and careful checks with one’s physician to rule out complications caused by bacteria.

Chronic enteritis may be caused by conditions affecting the intestinal tract. Treatment varies depending upon the cause. Some forms of chronic enteritis may result from exposure to parasites. Extended cases of travelers’ diarrhea and/or drinking water from streams are usually considered possible cases of parasitic enteritis. These are diagnosed by evaluating stool samples and can only be cured by taking anti-parasitic medications.

Other causes of chronic enteritis are conditions that may require complex treatments. Crohn’s disease, for example, can affect the entire intestinal tract and may require surgeries to reduce inflammation. Celiac disease, on the other hand, is a persistent inability to digest gluten found in wheat flours. Usually dietary modification can control this condition.