Enteritis is inflammation of the small intestine, particularly of the mucosa and submucosa layers. Chronic means inflammation over a long period of time.

In general, chronic enteritis is the title given to several inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These chronic diseases may include: regional ileitis or enteritis; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (see Diagnostic Code: 7319 Irritable colon syndrome), small bowel diverticulitis; and Crohn's disease. The primary cause of these diseases remains unknown. However, there have been indications that a genetic predisposition leads to an immune response to foods, the environment, or infectious agents.

Manifestations of enteritis may include: chronic diarrhea; abdominal pain; anorexia; weight loss; altered bowel habits; abdominal distention; fever; and abdominal mass.

Diagnostic examinations may include: x-rays; barium enema; colonoscopy and biopsy; complete blood count (CBC); erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); and stool tests for occult blood.

There is no established known cure. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms, e.g., anticholinergics to relieve cramps and diarrhea, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and antibiotics to reduce bacterial activity. Other treatments may include dietary changes, and surgery for recurrent intestinal obstruction, fistulas or abscesses.

These diseases have periods of remission, but are rarely cured. Mortality is low in relation to these diseases. However, patients with long-standing disease of the small bowel (Crohn's disease) are more prone to development of cancer.

• None.

• Rate as irritable colon syndrome.

• Ratings under diagnostic codes 7301 to 7329, inclusive, 7331, 7342, and 7345 to 7348 inclusive will not be combined with each other. A single evaluation will be assigned under the diagnostic code which reflects the predominant disability picture, with elevation to the next higher evaluation where the severity of the overall disability warrants such elevation. [38 CR 4.114

• There are diseases of the digestive system, particularly within the abdomen, which, while differing in the site of pathology, produce a common disability picture characterized in the main by varying degrees of abdominal distress or pain, anemia and disturbances in nutrition. Consequently, certain coexisting diseases in this area, as indicated in the instruction under the title “Diseases of the Digestive System,” do not lend themselves to distinct and separate disability evaluations without violating the fundamental principle relating to pyramiding as outlined in 38 CFR 4.14.  [38 CFR 4.113]