Actor Jasmin Bhasin recently revealed that she was hospitalised in Dubai after being diagnosed with terminal ileitis, along with a severe infection and inflammation. Sharing an update with fans from her hospital bed, she said she is recovering and hopes to be back soon.
The diagnosis has sparked curiosity about terminal ileitis, a condition many people may never have heard of. While it can be treated in some cases, it can also indicate a digestive system disorder that needs medical attention. Here is everything you need to know about it.
What is terminal ileitis?
Terminal ileitis refers to inflammation of the terminal ileum, the end segment of the small intestine that connects to the colon. The condition itself is not a disease but rather a finding that can occur as a result of various medical conditions. Although this inflammation is commonly associated with Crohn's disease, doctors say infections, certain medications and other inflammatory conditions can also affect the end of the small intestine.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain on the lower right side
- Diarrhoea, which may sometimes contain blood
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal bloating or cramping
Some people may develop symptoms gradually, while others may experience a rapid onset if the cause is an infection.
What causes terminal ileitis?
Factors that can result in inflammation of the terminal ileum include:
- Crohn's disease
- Bacterial infections such as Yersinia, Salmonella or Campylobacter
- Viral infections
- Intestinal tuberculosis
- Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Ischaemia of the intestine
- Other inflammatory or autoimmune diseases
Since there are various causes of terminal ileitis, doctors usually recommend further tests before making a diagnosis.
How is it diagnosed?
The following tests may be carried out for diagnosis:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Blood tests
- Stool tests to check for infections
- Colonoscopy with examination of the terminal ileum
- Biopsy, if necessary
- CT scan or MRI of the abdomen
Can it be treated?
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. If an infection is responsible, patients may require antibiotics or supportive treatment, depending on the causative organism. If Crohn's disease is the cause, treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications and immunomodulating agents may be recommended to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups. In addition, patients are advised to stay hydrated, maintain a healthy diet as recommended by their healthcare provider and avoid taking pain-relief medications unless advised by a doctor.
When should you consult a doctor?
Persistent abdominal pain, diarrhoea, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or fever should not be ignored. Early diagnosis makes it easier to identify the underlying cause and begin appropriate treatment.
Although Jasmin Bhasin's diagnosis has brought terminal ileitis into the spotlight, medical experts note that the condition can have several different underlying causes.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.