Jasmine Bhasin diagnosed with terminal ileitis: What is the inflammatory gut condition?

Actor Jasmine Bhasin has revealed that she was hospitalised during her birthday trip to Dubai after being diagnosed with terminal ileitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the final section of the small intestine. The actor shared that she fell seriously ill shortly after arriving in Dubai and required immediate medical care for a severe infection and inflammation.

Sharing an update on Instagram, Jasmine apologised to fans for not responding to their birthday wishes and messages. She explained that what was meant to be a celebratory trip quickly turned into a medical emergency.

"As soon as I landed in Dubai, on the same day, I fell severely sick and had to get hospitalised because I was diagnosed with terminal ileitis and a severe high-risk infection and inflammation," she wrote, adding that she is now feeling better and hopes to recover soon.

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Earlier, actor Aly Goni had informed fans about Jasmine's hospitalisation through an emotional birthday post, saying that seeing her in pain had been the most difficult part of their trip. He later thanked well-wishers for their prayers and said she was slowly recovering under medical care.

What is terminal ileitis?

Terminal ileitis is an inflammation of the terminal ileum, the last portion of the small intestine before it joins the large intestine. Although it is commonly associated with Crohn's disease, doctors emphasise that terminal ileitis itself is not a diagnosis but a finding that can occur due to several different conditions.

Medical experts say infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites are among the possible causes, while prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immune-related disorders, reduced blood flow to the intestine and, in rare cases, lymphoma can also lead to inflammation in this part of the bowel. Because the condition has multiple potential causes, doctors often perform additional investigations before identifying the underlying reason.

Symptoms vary from person to person but commonly include pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, bloating, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss and, in some cases, blood in the stool. Some people may experience only mild symptoms or none at all until the inflammation is detected during medical tests.

How is terminal ileitis diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing terminal ileitis usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood and stool tests, imaging scans such as CT or MRI, and a colonoscopy to examine the terminal ileum. Doctors may also take a biopsy during the procedure to determine the exact cause of the inflammation.

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying condition. If the inflammation is caused by an infection, medication to treat the infection may be sufficient. If it is linked to Crohn's disease, treatment may include anti-inflammatory medicines, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or biologic therapies to control inflammation and prevent future flare-ups. Patients whose symptoms are related to long-term NSAID use may improve after the medication is discontinued under medical supervision, while severe complications may occasionally require surgery.

Doctors advise seeking medical attention if abdominal pain, persistent diarrhoea, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or recurring digestive symptoms continue, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes.