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Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis Quick Facts

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis (EGE)

 

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, causes injury and inflammation to the stomach and the small intestine. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis may affect both adults and children. The cause is unknown.

 

Symptoms:

  • Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea
  • Difficulty feeding and/or gaining weight
  • Poor growth and weight loss
  • Abdominal pain
  • Anemia (low blood counts)
  • Malnutrition
  • Fatigue

 

Associated Diseases:

  • Environmental and/or food allergies in some
  • May occur in conjunction with other EGIDs

 

Causes:

  • Unknown
  • Food allergies may play a role in some patients

 

Diagnosis:

  • Upper endoscopy (placement of a lighted tube into the mouth, esophagus and stomach)
  • Biopsies of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine are necessary to make the diagnosis. Eosinophils causing injury on biopsy, in the context of symptoms consistent with EGE

 

Findings:

  • Endoscopy may show erosions, ulcers or irritated areas of the stomach and small intestine
  • Biopsy: Eosinophils invading the stomach and small intestine. Biopsy may show chronic inflammation. Eosinophils should be carefully sought when chronic inflammation is seen. No consensus recommendations on definition or diagnosis.

 

Allergy Testing

  • Allergy testing may be helpful in some patients to identify and remove offending food allergens.

 

Treatment:

  • Avoid known food allergens or triggers
  • Systemic Steroids (prednisone)
  • Elemental diet (avoid all food protein and obtain all nutrition from a special formula)
  • Iron supplementation if iron deficient
  • Nutritional support as needed
  • Anti-inflammatory medications for the small bowel

 

Prognosis:

  • Depends on response to treatment
  • Recurrent episodes may occur

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Author: Wendy Book MD, updated 9-08-2011, reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Markowitz
© American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders 2011. Content may not be reproduced in part or in whole without express written consent from APFED. Contact us Mail@apfed.org