Ileitis is a chronic inflammation of the ileum, of one or more parts of the small intestine. A more specific type of Ileitis that is considered more severe involves both the large and small intestine and is more commonly known as Crohn's disease. This article provides a general overview of ileitis, as well as diagnosis and treatment options.
Symptoms of ileitis involve recurrent cramps or pain around the navel or in the right lower portion of the abdomen. The pain comes and goes without a definite pattern of regularity or duration. The pain can frequently be severe and may be the only symptom of ileitis that presents itself. However, there may also be diarrhea. This may be frequent or intermittent in early stages of the disease, but may become increasingly frequent to the point of being considered chronic as the condition progresses. Those with ileitis report as many as four-six bowel movements a day (or more) and frequently there is pain associated with them. An individual dealing with ileitis may also feel tired and exhausted and experience a loss of weight and strength that can be common with the disease.
Inside the body, small crater-like erosions called aphthous ulcers appear in the inner surface of the intestines. As the disease progresses, deeper and larger ulcers develop, and these may causing scarring and stiffness of the intestines as it becomes increasingly narrow, eventually causing obstruction of portions of the intestines. Deep ulcers can puncture holes in the walls of the intestine, leading to infection in the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) and in adjacent organs.
Symptoms of ileitis involve recurrent cramps or pain around the navel or in the right lower portion of the abdomen. The pain comes and goes without a definite pattern of regularity or duration. The pain can frequently be severe and may be the only symptom of ileitis that presents itself. However, there may also be diarrhea. This may be frequent or intermittent in early stages of the disease, but may become increasingly frequent to the point of being considered chronic as the condition progresses. Those with ileitis report as many as four-six bowel movements a day (or more) and frequently there is pain associated with them. An individual dealing with ileitis may also feel tired and exhausted and experience a loss of weight and strength that can be common with the disease.
Inside the body, small crater-like erosions called aphthous ulcers appear in the inner surface of the intestines. As the disease progresses, deeper and larger ulcers develop, and these may causing scarring and stiffness of the intestines as it becomes increasingly narrow, eventually causing obstruction of portions of the intestines. Deep ulcers can puncture holes in the walls of the intestine, leading to infection in the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) and in adjacent organs.
|
|