Enterocolitis
Enterocolitis
Enterocolitis (pronounced: en-ter-o-co-ly-tis) is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract, specifically the small intestine (entero-) and the colon (colitis).
Etymology
The term "Enterocolitis" is derived from the Greek words "enteron" meaning intestine, and "kolon" meaning colon, combined with "-itis", a common suffix used in medicine to denote inflammation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of enterocolitis can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation, but commonly include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and nausea. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and malnutrition due to the body's inability to absorb nutrients properly.
Causes
Enterocolitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. It is also a common complication of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of enterocolitis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as blood tests, stool tests, and imaging studies like CT scan or MRI. In some cases, a colonoscopy or biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for enterocolitis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. It often involves a combination of antibiotics or other medications to treat the inflammation, dietary modifications to manage symptoms, and hydration therapy to prevent dehydration.
Related Terms
- Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine.
- Colitis: Inflammation of the colon.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine.
- Crohn's Disease: A type of IBD that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Ulcerative Colitis: A type of IBD that only affects the colon.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Enterocolitis
- Wikipedia's article - Enterocolitis
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