Enterocolitis is an inflammation of the digestive system. A distinction can be made between necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates, cytomegalovirus enterocolitis (CMV) and acute enterocolitis. Acute enterocolitis can the result of an intoxication caused by amoebiasis or poisonous mushrooms, an intolerance to certain types of medication like colchicine or food poisoning, usually resulting from the consumption of stale seafood.
Necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates manifests itself through a series of varied clinical signs. It usually comes with digestive disorders and other general symptoms. These include thermal instability, respiratory distress and bradycardia. Other signs of enterocolitis include haemodynamic disorders accompanied by septic shock, lethargy and hypotonia. Digestive disorders manifest themselves by the presence of blood in the stool, abdominal distension accompanied by meteorism and digestive disorders with gastric residues. Subjecting the patient to an X-ray reveals the presence of abdominal distention, pneumoperitoneum or ileus.
Acute enterocolitis or gastroenteritis has an incubation period that varies depending on the type of germ responsible for the infection. More specifically, it consists of an inflammation of the stomach lining that leads to a digestive disorder. This disease is of infectious origin and the germs are often transmitted by dirty hands that were in contact with faecal matter. Among the numerous viruses responsible for this pathology, one can include rotavirus, parvovirus and adenovirus, among others. The pathology can also have a bacterial origin, such as Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella or shigellosis. The sick person suffers from an intense feeling of general discomfort that can be accompanied by fever and sweating. He or she may feel hot or cold, start vomiting, or be subject to gastric and abdominal pain and sometimes diarrhoea.
Cytomegalovirus enterocolitis is an infection that affects individuals suffering from severe immunodepression. This is usually the case of individuals that are undergoing cancer chemotherapy, that have AIDS or that take immunosuppressants to prevent organ rejection following a transplant. Certain homoeopathic treatments can be used to treat enterocolitis effectively.
To cure enterocolitis with homoeopathy, resort to Plumbum metallicum. This remedy is made from lead, a metal that is easily distinguished by its blueish grey colour. Depending on the disorders, administer Plumbum metallicum in dilutions ranging from 4 to 30 CH. To relieve abdominal disorders, constipation and stomach spasms, take 3 granules of Plumbum metallicum 9 CH three times a day. Reduce the intakes after two weeks of treatment, taking only 2 granules in the morning and 2 in the evening.
Natrum sulfuricum is also used to treat enterocolitis. It is a remedy of mineral origin known as sodium sulphate. It helps ease the recovery of patients who suffer from diarrhoea and flatulence. Administer two granules of Natrum sulfuricum 9 CH three times a day to relieve cases of liquid stools. For a disease-modifying treatment in a patient suffering from enterocolitis, administer him or her 5 granules of Natrum sulfuricum 9 CH twice a day over a 3-month period.
Sulphur is also effective for treating ulcerative enterocolitis. To reduce diarrhoea, take 3 granules of Sulphur 15 CH once a day upon awakening during 15 days.
Medical consultation becomes necessary if no improvement is noticed during treatment. High fever and diarrhoea are other warning signs that indicate the need to seek medical attention. A newborn suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis needs to be placed under tight medical surveillance.
• Graphites
• Mercurius Corrosivus
• Natrum Sulfuricum
• Nitricum Acidum
• Plumbum Metallicum
• Sulphur
• Tuberculinum
Good to know: Thanks to its numerous available remedies, homoeopathy can be used to cure a person suffering from enterocolitis. Its gentle and natural action is very well-suited to an infant’s fragile body.
