July 2026

What is terminal ileitis and symptoms? Terminal Ileitis is inflammation (-itis) of the last part of the small intestine (terminal ileum). This is not a disease by itself but is rather a finding. It is often equated with Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune condition, but there are other common causes such as: Bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella, Yersinia, Campylobacter) or intestinal tuberculosis or viral infections. Even some drugs such as pain reliever or NSAID can trigger this. It is necessary to identify the cause as this affects treatment, which differs widely, since treatment is based on the cause. Dr Chetan Kalal, Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai shares that “It is important to note that the word ‘terminal ileitis’ does not necessarily indicate a dangerous disorder or a high risk (depending on the cause. Inflammatory disease of the terminal ileum can be mild and self-limited or severe. With the correct treatment, most people recover. In some cases, which are more severely inflamed, there may be dehydration, intense pain, the failure to eat, bleeding or, rarely, complications like intestinal blockage or perforation.” The doctor also elaborated on the symptoms, sharing: If, however, the inflammation is caused by conditions such as Crohn’s disease or TB of the intestines, then there is a possibility that treatment will be required on an ongoing basis to avoid complications. Anyone who has a persistent abdominal pain, prolonged diarrhoea, blood in stools, fever or unexplained weight loss should be evaluated by a medical professional before attempting any self-medicines.Symptoms depend on the cause but tend to have pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, diarrhoea (sometimes with blood in the stool), fever, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. The symptoms that last for weeks should be followed by additional tests, including colonoscopy or imaging and stool tests, for some infectious reasons. What are Lifestyle and Dietary changes? Dr Pramod Kadam, Consultant, General Surgery, Ruby Hall Clinic added, “Since there are a variety of causes of terminal ileitis, there is no single prevention method.All people can do to limit their risk from infectious causes is to: – Practising good hand hygiene. – Eating well cooked food and drinking safe water, particularly when travelling. – Rejection of raw or undercooked meats, poultry, egg and unpasteurized dairy. – Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables. – Not using unnecessary antibiotics or painkillers (like ibuprofen or diclofenac) unless a doctor recommends them. – Don’t smoke, as smoking worsens and increases the risk of Crohn’s disease. While no food can cure terminal ileitis, a balanced diet can be beneficial in boosting overall gastrointestinal health, particularly when recovering from the disease. It is preferable to use oats, brown rice, green leafy vegetables, and fruits. Nuts and lentils aid also. Curd or Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria. And good hydration is crucial. Some patients may find it easier to tolerate a low fibre diet during an acute attack when there is a lot of pain or diarrhoea. Eating recommendations, then, should be personalised according to the diagnosis and severity of symptoms. However, anyone who has a persistent abdominal pain, prolonged diarrhoea, blood in stools, fever or unexplained weight loss should be evaluated by a medical professional before attempting any self-medicines.

The monsoons each year are a welcome respite from the summer heat. As a gastroenterologist, however, I know it also coincides with a typical increase in stomach infections. My clinic begins to see patients with cases of hepatitis A, hepatitis E, acute gastroenteritis, typhoid and severe food poisoning within a few weeks of the first rains. Unfortunately, many of these diseases are 100% preventable. Bacteria, viruses and parasites flourish with the monsoon. Gut infections can happen if the pipelines are flooded, if water is contaminated, if food is not stored properly, and if poor hygiene is practiced. Fortunately, there are a number of simple habits that can go a long way toward keeping your digestive system healthy. Water, food and hygiene issues The first and foremost rule is awareness of drinking water. Contamination can be caused by damaged or flooded pipelines, even if the city supply is treated. Use boiled water or water treated by a good RO-UV purifier. Whenever purchasing packaged water, inspect it for seal and a valid water quality certification. The foods that are eaten also have an impact. Though street food can be very attractive during the rainy season, all that exposed food, cut fruit, fresh juice and food made under unhygienic conditions can carry bad bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Medical intervention Lastly, be familiar with when to seek medical attention. If the child vomits often, has a high temperature, is severely ill with diarrhoea, eyes become yellow or dark coloured urine or if the child has a high fever, this is not something to be ignored. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is key to avoiding complications, especially if it involves the presence of hepatitis and/or highly dehydration. The monsoon should be fun not avoided because you catch an illness that is preventable. There are a few conscious alterations in how you eat, drink and take care of your personal hygiene that can make a huge difference. The gut is your body’s first line of defence and you need to protect it, and it will protect you this rainy season. Dr. Chetan Kalal, DM Hepatology & Liver Transplant Specialist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai