Definition:
Terminal ileitis, or enteritis, is a chronic inflammation of the small intestine. It is characterized by swelling and perforated small intestines due to ruptures and acidic reactions.
Diagnosis:
Imaging studies such as MRI and other laboratory tests are conducted to determine the onset of the disease.
Treatment:
Enteritis is treated by medications to reduce the degeneration of the small intestine. For severe cases however, surgery is required, thus replacing the small intestine. The disease can be very debilitating especially to infants. Corticosteroids are given to help stop the inflammation.
Symptoms and Signs:
Patients with terminal ileitis suffer from extreme pain on the lower-right abdomen, accompanied by fever, chills, and other gastrointestinal infections. Abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting are also present.
Causes:
The exact cause of enteritis remains unknown.
