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Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis—Child

Authors:
  • byMichael Jubinville, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis—Child

Definition

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is the buildup of white blood cells called eosinophils. It causes swelling in the stomach and lining of the intestines. This can lead to tissue damage, ulcers, and polyps. It can also make it hard for the body to absorb nutrients from food.

Causes

Eosinophils are part of the immune system. They should only respond to an infection or injury. These cells release a chemical that causes swelling. With EGE, the swelling starts or stays even though it is not needed. Over time this can lead to tissue damage, ulcers, and polyps in the colon.

It is not clear what causes EGE. It is likely a blend of gene changes and the environment. It may also be linked to an allergic reaction.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise your child’s chances of EGE include:

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. They may include:

  • Severe belly pain
  • Bloating
  • A feeling of fullness after eating a small amount
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea, with or without blood
  • Fatigue
  • Problems feeding in infants

EGE can cause other problems like:

  • Malnutrition
  • Weight loss
  • Anemia or iron deficiency from blood loss

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. EGE is hard to diagnose with simple tests. Some tests may be able to rule out other health issues that have similar symptoms.

Tests to rule out other conditions may include:

A biopsy is the only way to confirm EGE. A colonoscopy will be done to take a sample of the stomach or intestine to look for eosinophils.

Upper GI Endoscopy.

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Treatment

EGE cannot be cured. For some people, removing cow’s milk and soy from the diet might help. This is mainly true for infants.

For others, the goal of treatment is to manage swelling. This will stop or slow damage to the tissue. Any underlying causes that are found will need to be treated.

Prevention

There are no current steps to prevent EGE because the cause is unknown.

Dietary Changes

Foods that cause symptoms will need to be avoided. Proteins, such as soy, nuts, eggs, or milk are common allergens. A dietitian can help a family learn what a child's dietary needs are. Some complications include:

  • Some may have severe protein limits. Special liquid formulas may be needed to provide safer forms of protein. A feeding tube may be used for some children.
  • A nutrition plan may be needed to support growth. This may include vitamins and supplements.

Dietary Changes

Foods that cause symptoms will need to be avoided. Proteins, such as soy, nuts, eggs, or milk are common allergens. A dietitian can help a family learn what a child's dietary needs are. Some complications include:

  • Some may have severe protein limits. Special liquid formulas may be needed to provide safer forms of protein. A feeding tube may be used for some children.
  • A nutrition plan may be needed to support growth. This may include vitamins and supplements.

Medicine

Medicines are used to manage EGE and treat complications. These may include:

  • Steroid pills—to reduce swelling during flare ups
  • Medicine—to boost, change, or suppress the effects of the immune system
  • Medicine to reduce stomach acid

Medicine to manage allergies or asthma may also be needed.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Eosinophilic gastroenteritis. American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders website. Available at: https://apfed.org/about-ead/egids/ege.
  • Non-immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mixed IgE-mediated food-related allergic disorders. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/non-immunoglobulin-e-ige-and-mixed-ige-mediated-food-related-allergic-disorders-20.
  • Shih, H.M., Bair, M.J., et al. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: brief review. Acta Gastroenterol Belg, 2016; 79 (2): 239-44.
  • Uppal, V., Kreiger, P., et al. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and colitis: a comprehensive review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol, 2016; 50 (2): 175-88.

Contributors

  • Chelsea Skucek, MSN, BS, RNC-NIC
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.