Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a Doctor
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Doctor
Eosinophilic gastritis and/or eosinophilic duodenitis (EG/EoD), previously called eosinophilic gastroenteritis, is an inflammatory disease of thedigestive systemthat can lead to a range of symptoms.
Because it’s not common, many people who have EG/EoD may be misdiagnosed with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux before the disease is diagnosed. The exact causes of EG/EoD are still not known, and there is no cure. The treatments are usually geared toward relieving symptoms.
Julie Bang / Verywell
When you have gastrointestinal problems, it can be challenging to push for more testing, especially if you’ve already been through invasive procedures. Typically, EG/EoD is diagnosed with an upper endoscopy (EGD), during which the doctor can see the lining of the digestive system and take a sample for a biopsy. The biopsy may show high levels of eosinophils (a type of immune cell) in the lining of the digestive tract.
Recent research is shedding more light on EG/EoD. The condition is likely more common than originally thought, and there is research being done that might lead to more effective management.
This article will discuss the causes of EG/EoD, its symptoms and complications, and when to see a doctor.
The eosinophils produce small proteins called cytokines and eotaxins. These substances may also play a role in the inflammation that occurs in the digestive system with EG/EoD.
The exact cause of EG/EoD and its progression is not well understood. Some people with this condition also have hypersensitivity reactions (atopy), seasonal allergies, food allergies, asthma,and a higher than normal level of an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in their blood.The connection to allergic disease suggests that this may play a role in the development of EG/EoD.
Another theory is that food allergens may cross the mucosa in the digestive system, leading to an increase in the eosinophils.
The symptoms of EG/EoD can be nonspecific and similar to those of other diseases and conditions of the digestive system.
Symptoms can vary and include:
The symptoms, a history of allergies, and the results of a physical exam and anendoscopy and biopsy procedureare used to make the diagnosis.
Less common symptoms of EG/EoD depend on which areas of the digestive system are affected and how widespread it is.
Some less common symptoms include:
The effects of EG/EoD and the progression of the disease can lead to complications. Because this condition can affect any part of the digestive system, the possible complications are fairly broad. However, there are a few that may be more common than others:
Some of the rare complications that have been observed include:
If you have intermittent or worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s important that you talk to your doctor and describe your symptoms.
In some cases, it takes years to get a diagnosis of EG/EoD. Many people who have this condition will see several different healthcare professionals, including specialists likegastroenterologists, over a period of time before getting the right diagnosis.
As you are being evaluated, pay close attention to how your symptoms respond to dietary changes or medical treatments, as these observations can help guide your doctors to your diagnosis and to the most effective treatment for you.
When to Go to the Emergency DepartmentCertain signs and symptoms should not be ignored because they may indicate a complication that could be serious or even life-threatening.Check with a doctor if you experience any of the following:Abdominal swellingChest painFaintingDizzinessRectal bleedingSevere abdominal painSevere constipationVomiting that won’t stop
When to Go to the Emergency Department
Certain signs and symptoms should not be ignored because they may indicate a complication that could be serious or even life-threatening.Check with a doctor if you experience any of the following:Abdominal swellingChest painFaintingDizzinessRectal bleedingSevere abdominal painSevere constipationVomiting that won’t stop
Certain signs and symptoms should not be ignored because they may indicate a complication that could be serious or even life-threatening.
Check with a doctor if you experience any of the following:
To prepare for your appointment with a healthcare provider, use our downloadable Doctor Discussion Guide below. It’ll help you learn relevant terminology, anticipate questions you may want to ask, and more.
Doctor Discussion Guide
Summary
The causes of EG/EoD are unclear, and this condition is associated with food and environmental allergies and excessive eosinophils in the digestive tract. The symptoms are nonspecific and may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. If it’s not controlled, the condition can lead to complications such as anemia and digestive tract obstruction.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Peterson KA, Genta RM, Kamboj AP, Singh B, Rasmussen HS, Dellon ES.High discovery rate of previously undiagnosed patients with eosinophilic gastritis and duodenitis using a systematic endoscopic biopsy protocol screening data analysis from ENIGMA, a randomized controlled trial. Poster presented at: American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting; October 26-28, 2020. P2797.Shoda T, Wen T, Caldwell JM, et al.Molecular, endoscopic, histologic, and circulating biomarker-based diagnosis of eosinophilic gastritis: Multi-site study.J Allergy Clin Immunol.2020;145(1):255-269. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.11.007.Uppal V, Kreiger P, Kutsch E.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and colitis: a comprehensive review.Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2016 Apr;50(2):175-88. doi:10.1007/s12016-015-8489-4Pineton de Chambrun G, Gonzalez F, Canva JY, et al.Natural history of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;9(11):950-956.e1. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2011.07.017Rank MA, Sharaf RN, Furuta GT, et al.Technical review on the management of eosinophilic esophagitis: A report from the AGA institute and the joint task force on allergy-immunology practice parameters.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(6):1789-1810.e15. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.039.Mori A, Enweluzo C, Grier D, Badireddy M.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: review of a rare and treatable disease of the gastrointestinal tract.Case Rep Gastroenterol. 2013;7(2):293-298. doi:10.1159/000354147.Reed C, Woosley JT, Dellon ES.Clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and resource utilization in children and adults with eosinophilic gastroenteritis.Dig Liver Dis. 2015;47:197-201. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2014.11.009Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Eosinophilic gastroenteritis. August 18, 2020.Zhang M, Li Y.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: A state-of-the-art review.J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;32(1):64-72. doi:10.1111/jgh.13463Peterson KA, Genta RM, Kamboj AP, Singh B, Rasmussen HS, Dellon ES. S1330 high discovery rate of previously undiagnosed patients with eosinophilic gastritis and duodenitis using a systematic endoscopic biopsy protocol: screening data analysis from enigma, a randomized controlled trial.Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(1):S669-S670.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Peterson KA, Genta RM, Kamboj AP, Singh B, Rasmussen HS, Dellon ES.High discovery rate of previously undiagnosed patients with eosinophilic gastritis and duodenitis using a systematic endoscopic biopsy protocol screening data analysis from ENIGMA, a randomized controlled trial. Poster presented at: American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting; October 26-28, 2020. P2797.Shoda T, Wen T, Caldwell JM, et al.Molecular, endoscopic, histologic, and circulating biomarker-based diagnosis of eosinophilic gastritis: Multi-site study.J Allergy Clin Immunol.2020;145(1):255-269. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.11.007.Uppal V, Kreiger P, Kutsch E.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and colitis: a comprehensive review.Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2016 Apr;50(2):175-88. doi:10.1007/s12016-015-8489-4Pineton de Chambrun G, Gonzalez F, Canva JY, et al.Natural history of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;9(11):950-956.e1. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2011.07.017Rank MA, Sharaf RN, Furuta GT, et al.Technical review on the management of eosinophilic esophagitis: A report from the AGA institute and the joint task force on allergy-immunology practice parameters.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(6):1789-1810.e15. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.039.Mori A, Enweluzo C, Grier D, Badireddy M.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: review of a rare and treatable disease of the gastrointestinal tract.Case Rep Gastroenterol. 2013;7(2):293-298. doi:10.1159/000354147.Reed C, Woosley JT, Dellon ES.Clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and resource utilization in children and adults with eosinophilic gastroenteritis.Dig Liver Dis. 2015;47:197-201. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2014.11.009Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Eosinophilic gastroenteritis. August 18, 2020.Zhang M, Li Y.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: A state-of-the-art review.J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;32(1):64-72. doi:10.1111/jgh.13463Peterson KA, Genta RM, Kamboj AP, Singh B, Rasmussen HS, Dellon ES. S1330 high discovery rate of previously undiagnosed patients with eosinophilic gastritis and duodenitis using a systematic endoscopic biopsy protocol: screening data analysis from enigma, a randomized controlled trial.Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(1):S669-S670.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Peterson KA, Genta RM, Kamboj AP, Singh B, Rasmussen HS, Dellon ES.High discovery rate of previously undiagnosed patients with eosinophilic gastritis and duodenitis using a systematic endoscopic biopsy protocol screening data analysis from ENIGMA, a randomized controlled trial. Poster presented at: American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting; October 26-28, 2020. P2797.Shoda T, Wen T, Caldwell JM, et al.Molecular, endoscopic, histologic, and circulating biomarker-based diagnosis of eosinophilic gastritis: Multi-site study.J Allergy Clin Immunol.2020;145(1):255-269. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.11.007.Uppal V, Kreiger P, Kutsch E.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and colitis: a comprehensive review.Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2016 Apr;50(2):175-88. doi:10.1007/s12016-015-8489-4Pineton de Chambrun G, Gonzalez F, Canva JY, et al.Natural history of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;9(11):950-956.e1. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2011.07.017Rank MA, Sharaf RN, Furuta GT, et al.Technical review on the management of eosinophilic esophagitis: A report from the AGA institute and the joint task force on allergy-immunology practice parameters.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(6):1789-1810.e15. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.039.Mori A, Enweluzo C, Grier D, Badireddy M.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: review of a rare and treatable disease of the gastrointestinal tract.Case Rep Gastroenterol. 2013;7(2):293-298. doi:10.1159/000354147.Reed C, Woosley JT, Dellon ES.Clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and resource utilization in children and adults with eosinophilic gastroenteritis.Dig Liver Dis. 2015;47:197-201. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2014.11.009Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Eosinophilic gastroenteritis. August 18, 2020.Zhang M, Li Y.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: A state-of-the-art review.J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;32(1):64-72. doi:10.1111/jgh.13463Peterson KA, Genta RM, Kamboj AP, Singh B, Rasmussen HS, Dellon ES. S1330 high discovery rate of previously undiagnosed patients with eosinophilic gastritis and duodenitis using a systematic endoscopic biopsy protocol: screening data analysis from enigma, a randomized controlled trial.Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(1):S669-S670.
Peterson KA, Genta RM, Kamboj AP, Singh B, Rasmussen HS, Dellon ES.High discovery rate of previously undiagnosed patients with eosinophilic gastritis and duodenitis using a systematic endoscopic biopsy protocol screening data analysis from ENIGMA, a randomized controlled trial. Poster presented at: American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting; October 26-28, 2020. P2797.
Shoda T, Wen T, Caldwell JM, et al.Molecular, endoscopic, histologic, and circulating biomarker-based diagnosis of eosinophilic gastritis: Multi-site study.J Allergy Clin Immunol.2020;145(1):255-269. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.11.007.
Uppal V, Kreiger P, Kutsch E.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and colitis: a comprehensive review.Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2016 Apr;50(2):175-88. doi:10.1007/s12016-015-8489-4
Pineton de Chambrun G, Gonzalez F, Canva JY, et al.Natural history of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;9(11):950-956.e1. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2011.07.017
Rank MA, Sharaf RN, Furuta GT, et al.Technical review on the management of eosinophilic esophagitis: A report from the AGA institute and the joint task force on allergy-immunology practice parameters.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(6):1789-1810.e15. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.039.
Mori A, Enweluzo C, Grier D, Badireddy M.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: review of a rare and treatable disease of the gastrointestinal tract.Case Rep Gastroenterol. 2013;7(2):293-298. doi:10.1159/000354147.
Reed C, Woosley JT, Dellon ES.Clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and resource utilization in children and adults with eosinophilic gastroenteritis.Dig Liver Dis. 2015;47:197-201. doi:10.1016/j.dld.2014.11.009
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Eosinophilic gastroenteritis. August 18, 2020.
Zhang M, Li Y.Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: A state-of-the-art review.J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;32(1):64-72. doi:10.1111/jgh.13463
Peterson KA, Genta RM, Kamboj AP, Singh B, Rasmussen HS, Dellon ES. S1330 high discovery rate of previously undiagnosed patients with eosinophilic gastritis and duodenitis using a systematic endoscopic biopsy protocol: screening data analysis from enigma, a randomized controlled trial.Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(1):S669-S670.
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