enteritis Inflammation of the small intestine causing abdominal pain and diarrhea. Enteritis may result from virus infection, certain bacterial diseases, or food poisoning, which are in general self-limited and mild. The noninfectious inflammatory condition known as Crohn's disease causes a chronic relapsing regional enteritis, which may present with weight loss, anemia, abdominal mass, or vitamin deficiency, as well as colic and diarrhea. In bacterial enteritis, antibiotics may help, while Crohn's disease is sometimes helped by anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids; surgery may also be required, but is often hazardous and may lead to fistula formation. Related category HEALTH AND DISEASE Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |