NSAID Enteritis is inflammation and damage of the small intestine caused by regular or high-dose use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Over time, these medications can irritate the intestinal lining, leading to swelling, ulcers, and even bleeding.
NSAID Enteritis may not appear immediately, but when it does, you might notice:
The main trigger of NSAID Enteritis is damage to the gut lining by NSAIDs. Risk factors that increase your chances include:
Don't let NSAID Enteritis hold you back. Reach out to GastroDoxs in Jersey Village for prompt, personalized care. Call us at 832-632-4070 or book your appointment online now. Our digestive health specialists are ready to guide you toward relief and recovery.
We've successfully treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
NSAID Enteritis is inflammation of the small intestine caused by regular or high-dose use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen.
It develops after long-term or high-dose NSAID use, especially when taken on an empty stomach or combined with steroids or blood thinners.
Common symptoms include abdominal pain or cramps, bloating, extra gas, diarrhea (possibly with blood), unintended weight loss, and anemia.
NSAID Enteritis is directly caused by pain medications and typically affects only the small intestine, whereas Crohn's is an autoimmune disorder that can involve any part of the digestive tract.
Risk factors include age over 60, daily or high-dose NSAID use, concurrent steroid or blood thinner therapy, a history of ulcers, and taking NSAIDs on an empty stomach.
Yes. Use the lowest effective NSAID dose, take your medication with food, and discuss safer pain-relief alternatives or protective agents with your doctor.
No. NSAIDs are not formulated to protect the gut; in fact, they can irritate and damage the intestinal lining.
Healing strategies include stopping or reducing NSAID use, taking gut-protective medications, using acid-reducing drugs, and following a soft, low-fiber diet.
Schedule an evaluation if you experience ongoing abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or notice blood in your stool while using NSAIDs.
Call GastroDoxs or book an appointment online. Our Jersey Village team is ready to provide testing, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans.
