The term enteritis is applied to the inflammation of the intestinal mucous membrane. The condition is analogous to gastritis and is divided like that into the acute and chronic condition.

Acute enteritis, usually caused by the presence in the intestines of some strong irritant, or the presence of a mass of undigested food, should be treated dietetically, as in all these acute conditions, by an initial fast. No food should be taken into the alimentary canal for a period of one to three days. Water may be ingested in considerable quantities. This free use of pure water has the great advantage of soothing and healing the inflamed intestinal membrane, and of flushing out the general system. Any absorbed products of intestinal fermentation are quickly flushed out of the system through the kidneys by this free use of water. If the acute condition is associated with a tendency toward constipation, free evacuation can be instituted through a course of calomel. After the initial fast the nutrition may be maintained throughout the rest of the course of the disease by the use of semi-solid and solid foods, following the general principles set forth above.

Chronic enteritis has a slower, more gradual onset than the acute, but has, in a general way, the same cause. In order to avoid an aggravation of the condition, the first dietetic rule is strictly to prohibit the ingestion of the following things: beer, wine, salads, fruits, especially those with a large amount of coarse pulp or seeds; vegetables, particularly those with much cellulose; pickles, acids, candies. To sum up the dietetics of chronic enteritis in a nutshell, we will quote the pithy formula of Dr. Edwards, of Chicago: "Simple foods, in small amounts, and at frequent intervals, controlled by frequent examination of the feces." This frequent examination of the feces is necessary to determine whether or not the ingested foods have been properly digested and absorbed. If the diet given has been properly digested and absorbed, then one is justified in proceeding along a similar line, perhaps slightly increasing the amount and the range of variety. If the contrary is shown, then a greater simplicity and greater restriction of the diet must be observed, choosing very easily digested, perhaps for a time actually predigested, foods.

Intestinal nicer, when this is duodenal, should be treated as described above for gastric ulcers. The intestinal ulcer of the lower portions of the small intestine resulting from typhoid infection is sufficiently discussed under Typhoid.