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What is Ileitis?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

The condition ileitis refers to a swollen or inflamed part of the intestines. In this case the ileum or lower part of the small intestine is involved, and this can be painful and uncomfortable to endure. In literature on ileitis, the most common cause of this condition is the presence of Crohn’s disease, but there are other causes, and a diagnosis of this condition is not necessarily a diagnosis of Crohn’s.

As stated there are variable causes of this condition. If Crohn’s disease is present, it may result in inflammation of the small bowel. Infection can sometimes result in this condition too, and people with conditions like diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or celiac disease could develop this illness. There are also a few diseases like tuberculosis or Yellow Fever that can manifest this disease.

People with celiac disease may develop ileitis.
People with celiac disease may develop ileitis.

The main symptoms may vary by person, but one common symptom is discomfort in the abdomen. People can define this differently as sharp, pulling, sensitive to touch or other. Usually a swollen lower intestine causes diarrhea which can be quite severe and it may make it hard to eat so that people lose weight easily. On scans or x-rays of various types the ileum may appear swollen or thickened and this can help determine if the condition is present.

Symptoms of ileitis may include abdominal discomfort.
Symptoms of ileitis may include abdominal discomfort.

One of the concerns of not diagnosing or treating ileitis is that it can cause continued pain and weight loss, and it may result in severe complications. These include bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Untreated ileitis may also result in intestinal blockage, which can be fatal without removal. To avoid the condition progressing to this point, doctors may have a variety of treatment suggestions.

People suffering with ileitis may experience weight loss.
People suffering with ileitis may experience weight loss.

In early days after a diagnosis, people might be put on a very light and simple diet, and they’re also likely to be given antibiotics to kill any possible infection present. People are often told to rest and not engage in strenuous activities. To address pain, pain medicines might be given, but this is a tough call since many opioids cause constipation, which may be very undesirable. A better option is to reduce pain by reducing swelling, and treatment for this tends to involve giving corticosteroids like prednisone. People might remain on several medications for a while, depending on the underlying cause.

When the intestines become swollen or inflamed, it is referred to as ileitis.
When the intestines become swollen or inflamed, it is referred to as ileitis.

When ileitis doesn’t respond to treatment, a surgical approach could be considered. This is a surgery that most physicians would avoid when at all possible because it means changing life habits forever. With it, people will need to collect waste from pouch in their stomachs, usually at least two to three times a day. In some cases, though, the ileostomy is the only potential treatment and without it, people remain in chronic pain or have continued unacceptable risk for complications.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments

Logicfest

If there are any signs of bleeding in the intestinal tract, the best thing to do is to seek treatment immediately. Blood in stool can be a sign of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or something even worse. Leaving those conditions untreated could result in severe illness so bleeding is not something to ignore.

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    • People with celiac disease may develop ileitis.
      By: mybaitshop
      People with celiac disease may develop ileitis.
    • Symptoms of ileitis may include abdominal discomfort.
      By: pathdoc
      Symptoms of ileitis may include abdominal discomfort.
    • People suffering with ileitis may experience weight loss.
      By: sframe
      People suffering with ileitis may experience weight loss.
    • When the intestines become swollen or inflamed, it is referred to as ileitis.
      By: ancroft
      When the intestines become swollen or inflamed, it is referred to as ileitis.
    • The ileum is the lower part of the small intestine.
      By: nerthuz
      The ileum is the lower part of the small intestine.
    • Prednisone tablets are most commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties.
      By: Thirteen Of Clubs
      Prednisone tablets are most commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties.