1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
NSAID Enteritis
Discover care for NSAID enteritis with Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs in Houston. NSAID-related small intestine damage causes pain, bleeding, nutritional issues. With expert diagnosis, targeted treatments, lifestyle guidance, Dr. Scott offers comprehensive solutions to help you heal and regain comfort.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is NSAID Enteritis?
NSAID enteritis occurs when nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin-damage the lining of the small intestine. Long-term or high-dose use can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and impaired nutrient absorption.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Frequent NSAID use: daily use over weeks or months
High NSAID doses: stronger pills causing more irritation
Older age: people over 60 often have a thinner gut lining
Prior gastrointestinal issues: ulcers, IBD, or diverticulitis
Drug interactions: combining NSAIDs with steroids or blood thinners
Signs and Symptoms
Abdominal pain or cramping, especially after meals
Loose stools or diarrhea, sometimes with blood
Fatigue or weakness from anemia
Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
Bloating, gas, or general discomfort
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses NSAID Enteritis?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your NSAID use (type, dose, duration), pinpoints pain-especially epigastric or mid-abdominal discomfort-and asks about bleeding, weight loss, and prior gut issues.
Blood Tests
Complete blood count to detect anemia, inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), iron studies, and nutritional panels to assess malabsorption.
Endoscopic Evaluation
Upper endoscopy (EGD): rules out gastric or duodenal ulcers that mimic epigastric pain.
Capsule endoscopy: a swallowable camera surveys the entire small bowel for erosions, ulcers, or bleeding.
Cross-Sectional Imaging
CT enterography: detailed visualization of bowel wall thickening, strictures, or active inflammation.
MRI enterography: radiation-free imaging to assess edema, strictures, and inflammatory changes in the small intestine.
Advanced Diagnostics (if needed)
Balloon-assisted enteroscopy for targeted biopsies or dilation of narrowed segments, plus stool studies to exclude infection.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for NSAID enteritis.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Stop or lower NSAID use - switch to safer pain-relief options
Eat small, frequent meals to reduce stress on your gut
Add gentle fiber sources like oats and bananas to soothe the intestine
Stay well hydrated with water, broths, and electrolyte-rich fluids
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to lower acid and protect the gut lining
Sucralfate or similar barrier agents to coat and heal injured areas
Probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria and support recovery
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Balloon dilation to open and relieve strictures in the small intestine
Endoscopic cautery for targeted sealing of bleeding sites without surgery
Capsule retrieval procedures if a diagnostic capsule becomes lodged
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there stronger over-the-counter NSAIDs?
Ibuprofen and naproxen are the most common OTC NSAIDs. Stronger NSAIDs require a prescription from your provider.
Are NSAIDs enteric drugs?
Some NSAIDs have an enteric coating to protect the stomach, but they can still irritate and damage the small intestine.
Can NSAIDs cause colitis?
Yes. NSAIDs can inflame the colon, leading to cramps, diarrhea, and sometimes bleeding.
Do NSAIDs cause IBD?
NSAIDs don't cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but they can worsen symptoms or trigger flares in people already diagnosed.
How long does healing take?
Most patients start to feel better within 4-8 weeks once NSAIDs are stopped and appropriate treatment is started, though recovery time varies by severity.
What foods should I avoid?
Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and greasy or fried meals, as these can slow healing and irritate your gut lining.
Do I need surgery?
Surgery is rarely needed. It's reserved for severe bleeding, strictures, or complications that don't respond to medical or endoscopic therapies.
Related Blogs
The Worst Ways to Manage Constipation (and What to Do Instead)
