Enteritis in children

Enteritis in children can occur in acute and chronic form. The first in its clinical manifestations is similar to gastroenterocolitis. Chronic enteritis can be the outcome of acute, in some cases appears after the transferred infections, allergic reactions, surgical operations. It also occurs when proteins are deficient. Important is viral enteritis.

The main cause of enteritis in children is the acceleration of the passage of the contents of the intestine, the violation of parietal and cavitary digestion. As a result, the enzymatic activity of the small intestine is significantly reduced . Violated carbohydrate, protein, fat metabolism. At an insignificant age of the child this leads to serious complications. The main manifestation of the disease is diarrhea.

Enteritis in children is characterized by abundant calves. They have a light yellow color, pieces of undigested food, which are mixed with mucous contents. Sometimes the feces get a clayey appearance, a gray color, a shine, the cause of which are fats.

In the presence of rotting processes in the intestine, a stinking, extremely unpleasant smell of stools occurs, foamy excrements indicate fermentation. However, the most characteristic clinical symptom is the pain that appears during defecation. The period of exacerbation of the disease is characterized by frequent stools (a day to 20 times). Patients are concerned about pain and rumbling in the abdomen, there is flatulence. Common signs characteristic of this disease are metabolic disorders and functional changes in other organ systems.

Enteritis in children requires careful diagnosis, as its symptoms are similar to other diseases of the stomach and intestines. It is based on data on the development of the disease: intolerance of certain types of food, milk, information on intestinal infections, clinical manifestations (rumbling, abdominal pain, flatulence), the nature of feces, the results of the coprogram. A study is made of the enzymatic, absorption and motor function of the small intestine. Significant help in diagnosis is provided by intestinoscopy with biopsy of individual sites and subsequent examination of the obtained materials of the intestinal mucosa. X-rays are not carried out because of low informativity and danger to children.

Treatment of enteritis in children should be comprehensive. A full-fledged diet is prescribed, which includes increased protein, physiological fat, and carbohydrate restriction. Whole milk, foods that contain high amounts of fiber should be completely excluded from the diet. In case of severe disease and significant dehydration, a probe method of feeding nutrients into the digestive tract is used. Protein hydrolysates are intravenously administered. Assign vitamin C, group B, folic acid.

Enzyme preparations are mandatory in the treatment of this disease. Antibiotic therapy is prescribed for severe enterocolitis. After the course of treatment with these medications, probiotics are shown, which contribute to the normalization of the intestinal microflora. For these purposes, bacteriophages, adsorbents, enveloping substances, medicinal plants are also used.

Enteritis in children is a fairly dangerous disease. Therefore, its timely prevention is important. This requires constant monitoring of children who have dysbacteriosis, acute intestinal infections and its functional disorders, food allergies.

Secondary prophylaxis of the disease includes the identification of the disease in the early stages of development, putting children on the record and constant monitoring. It is also important to carry out anti-relapse therapy, which should include vitamins, diet, biological and enzyme preparations.