What are the symptoms and causes of functional enteritis?

Generally, functional enteritis refers to functional bowel disease, whose symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, mucus in the stool, and others. Functional bowel disease may be caused by excessive stress, improper diet, food intolerance, intestinal flora imbalance, hyperthyroidism, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Symptoms of Functional Bowel Disease

1. Abdominal Pain

The pain associated with functional bowel disease varies in nature, such as cramping, stabbing, or dull aches. The pain typically occurs more frequently in the lower abdomen or the lower left quadrant but may also appear throughout the abdomen.

2. Diarrhea

Patients with functional bowel disease experience increased frequency of bowel movements, often reaching 3–5 times per day or more. The stool consistency changes, often becoming loose or watery.

3. Constipation

Patients with functional bowel disease may also experience difficulty passing stools, with hard, dry bowel movements. Bowel movement frequency decreases, possibly fewer than three times per week. Patients may feel straining during defecation and a sensation of incomplete evacuation.

4. Bloating

Patients may feel abdominal fullness, which can worsen after eating, particularly after consuming gas-producing foods. Bloating can be persistent or intermittent and may sometimes affect appetite, leading to reduced food intake.

5. Mucus in the Stool

Some patients may have small amounts of mucus in their stools. When the intestinal mucosa is irritated, it secretes more mucus to protect the intestines. The mucus is usually transparent or white, either adhering to the surface of the stool or mixed within it.

2. Causes of Functional Bowel Disease

1. Excessive Stress

When individuals experience mental stress or emotional fluctuations, this may affect intestinal motility and sensation, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating, thereby triggering functional bowel disease. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation in daily life can help reduce stress.

2. Improper Diet

Certain food components may irritate the intestines, causing abnormal intestinal motility and inflammatory responses, leading to the aforementioned conditions. It is recommended to adjust the diet, avoid known trigger foods, and increase dietary fiber intake.

3. Food Intolerance

Food intolerance may be due to a lack or deficiency of digestive enzymes in the body that break down certain food components, which then remain undigested in the intestines and irritate the gut, causing an inflammatory response—functional bowel disease. It is recommended to avoid consuming foods that cause intolerance and use alternative food options.

4. Intestinal Flora Imbalance

Imbalance in intestinal flora may be caused by factors such as antibiotic misuse or dietary changes, which may disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, reducing beneficial bacteria while increasing harmful bacteria, thus affecting intestinal function and causing functional bowel disease. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as bad breath and indigestion. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as Bifidobacterium Quadruple Live Tablets, Paroxetine Hydrochloride Tablets, and Shenling Baizhu Powder for treatment.

5. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones, which directly stimulate intestinal smooth muscle, enhancing its contraction and peristalsis. It can also affect neural regulation of the intestines, leading to intestinal dysfunction and triggering functional bowel disease. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations and hand tremors. Patients can take medications such as Methimazole Tablets, Propylthiouracil Tablets, and Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets under medical guidance.

In daily life, overeating and binge eating should be avoided. Eating small, frequent meals can help reduce intestinal stress and promote recovery of intestinal function.