What is small bowel enteritis?

Small bowel enteritis refers to inflammation of the lining of the small bowel, which is a portion of the digestive system connecting the stomach to the large intestine. It's commonly known as small intestinal inflammation or enteritis. The small bowel encompasses three segments: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Inflammation in the small bowel can disrupt its normal function, including nutrient absorption, fluid balance, and digestion. Various factors can cause small bowel enteritis, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, and malabsorption of nutrients.

Causes of small bowel enteritis may include:

Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause inflammation in the small intestines. Common infectious agents include bacteria like Campylobacter, Shigella, E. coli, and Salmonella, as well as viruses like norovirus or rotavirus.

Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder in which the body mounts an immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This response can cause inflammation and damage to the small bowel's lining.

Crohn's Disease: A chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the digestive tract, including the small intestines. Crohn's Disease causes inflammation and damage to the bowel wall, leading to abdominal symptoms.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Long-term use of certain NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can irritate the small intestines and cause inflammation.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatment for abdominal or pelvic cancers may damage the small bowel, leading to enteritis.

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience enteritis as a result of allergies to certain foods or substances.

Other Causes: Small bowel enteritis can also be caused by genetic factors, immune system disorders, certain medications, or structural abnormalities in the digestive tract.

Diagnosis of small bowel enteritis may involve various tests, such as blood tests, stool analysis, endoscopy, and biopsies. Treatment typically depends on the underlying cause and aims to address the inflammation, manage symptoms, and prevent complications.