Management of Infectious Colitis

Nutritional Management

Maintaining adequate hydration is the primary priority, but complete fasting is not required, and patients can consume food according to individual tolerance, as recommended by the American Gastroenterological Association 1
A absolute diet (NPO) is only indicated in severe complications such as prolonged ileus, abscesses, or inability to tolerate oral/enteral nutrition that requires parenteral nutrition, according to the American Gastroenterological Association 2
Temporarily avoiding foods that worsen symptoms during the acute phase (fatty, spicy, gas-producing, high in insoluble fiber) if they are poorly tolerated is recommended by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism 3, 4
Once symptoms improve with antimicrobial treatment, a normal diet can be progressed rapidly, as recommended by the American Gastroenterological Association 1
There is no evidence to support prolonged dietary restrictions in infectious colitis, according to the American Gastroenterological Association 2
Imposing unnecessary prolonged fasting can lead to malnutrition and delay recovery, as warned by the American Gastroenterological Association 1
Parenteral nutrition is only indicated when the intestine is not functioning (prolonged ileus), there is an inability to tolerate oral or enteral nutrition safely, or there are complications such as abscesses that require absolute intestinal rest, as recommended by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism 2, 3, 1