Acute enteritis

Acute enteritis is the most common disease among digestive system diseases. It is often associated with intestinal infections including intestinal viruses (Coxsackie virus, ECHO virus) and other viruses, bacteria (such as bacilli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, cholera, intestinal Candida), intestinal amebiasis, parasites, etc.; it is also related to improper diet, food poisoning caused by ingestion of excessive amounts of stale food; chemical and drug poisoning; and food allergies. Clinical manifestations include diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal distension with varying degrees of nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea occurs 3 to 5 times daily, or even dozens of times, with watery stools, dark yellow or greenish in color, foul-smelling, and may be accompanied by abdominal colic, fever, generalized body aches, and other symptoms. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and even shock. This disease can occur at any age, is more common in summer and autumn, has the characteristic of fulminant epidemic spread, and is more prevalent in areas with poor public sanitation. If the cause is identified and diagnosis and treatment are timely, recovery is generally achievable. Western medical treatments include: (1) Eliminating the cause, bed rest for severe cases, and temporary fasting. Gradually introduce easily digestible, light foods, and promptly replenish water and electrolytes. (2) Antibacterial therapy: select different antibiotics according to different pathogens. (3) Symptomatic treatment: pain relief and antidiarrheal measures. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments include: herbal medicine therapy, acupoint injection, acupuncture therapy, moxibustion, and auricular acupoint plaster therapy. Measures to prevent acute enteritis include: actively carrying out health education work, not eating the meat and organs of livestock that died of disease; meat, poultry, eggs, and other foods must be cooked thoroughly before consumption; strengthen food hygiene management, and foods that have spoiled or been contaminated by Salmonella must not be sold; maintain good canteen hygiene, establish hygiene management systems, carefully attend to food preparation hygiene, and prevent food contamination; ensure water source protection, drinking water management, and disinfection. In terms of health care: enhance exercise and physical fitness, so that the spleen is strong and not easily invaded by pathogens; maintain a cheerful mood to keep gastrointestinal function balanced; moderate diet to facilitate the receiving and absorption functions of the spleen and stomach; be cautious about daily routines, avoid wind and cold, so that yin and yang are in balance, and the spirit is well-nourished.