Acute Enterocolitis

Acute Enterocolitis: Causes, Symptoms and Patient Care

Acute enterocolitis is an acute disease of the intestinal mucosa (large and small intestines), which is usually combined with damage to the gastric mucosa (gastroenterocolitis). This disease can be caused by various reasons, including eating poor-quality foods contaminated with microorganisms, eating large amounts of spicy or too rough food, allergies and poisoning with toxic substances.

Manifestations of acute gastroenterocolitis are very diverse and can vary from a mild, almost asymptomatic form to pronounced, severe local and general phenomena that can lead to death. Typical symptoms of acute gastroenterocolitis are loss of appetite, unpleasant taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting first of food and then of bile, and diarrhea of ​​varying frequency. Patients complain of a feeling of pressure, fullness and pain in the epigastric region, weakness, and dizziness. Body temperature may be elevated.

During vomiting, if the patient's condition allows, he should sit down. You need to place your pelvis in front of him, support his head and shoulders. If the patient cannot sit down, you need to remove the pillow and place his head on the side so that vomit does not enter the respiratory tract and does not cause pneumonia or suffocation. After vomiting, wipe the patient's lips with a towel and give him water to rinse his mouth. If the patient cannot rinse his mouth, then he should wipe the inside of the mouth with a cotton or gauze swab.

In most cases of acute enterocolitis, recovery occurs. Acute symptoms usually subside after 8-12 hours, and after a few days the patient’s well-being improves. It should be noted that if clinical recovery usually occurs after 3-4 days, then restoration of the mucous membrane can take from several days to several weeks.

In acute enterocolitis, it is necessary to follow a strict diet. Patients should eat easily digestible foods rich in liquids, in small quantities but often. It is also important to maintain hand hygiene and prepare food only from quality ingredients. If symptoms persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor for professional medical help. In some cases, hospitalization may be required to provide intensive care and maintain vital body functions.

In addition, in acute enterocolitis, it is necessary to provide sufficient fluids to prevent dehydration. Patients should drink plenty of water, tea, compotes, juices and other liquids. If fluid loss is too great, intravenous fluids and electrolytes may be required.

Overall, acute enterocolitis can be a serious condition because the loss of fluid and electrolytes can lead to dehydration and other complications. However, if you consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow the recommendations for patient care, most cases of acute enterocolitis end in complete recovery.