Inflammation of the ileum (the lower part of the small bowel) and sometimes other parts of the intestine. One form of ileitis is also known as CROHN's DISEASE. The inflammation causes swelling and ulceration of the lining of the ileum. Ulcers may perforate, resulting in PERITONITIS. In the long term, scarring in and around the affected parts may cause narrowing or blockage of the bowel.
Ileitis usually affects young adults, men, and women equally. The cause is unknown, the disease tends to run in families. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and the manifestations of MALABSORPTION - weight loss, anemia, and other deficiency diseases. The diagnosis is confirmed by the X-ray of the bowel. Treatment consists of anti-diarrhoeal medications, courses of corticosteroids to reduce the inflammatory process and measures to combat nutritional deficiency. When ileitis is complicated by scarring or perforation, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected bowel or to rest it by ILEOSTOMY.