If you’ve been dealing with persistent stomach pain, unexplained nausea, or ongoing digestive issues that just won’t seem to go away, eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) might be the underlying culprit. This rare but often overlooked condition involves an abnormal build-up of certain white blood cells, called eosinophils, in your digestive tract, leading to inflammation and a host of uncomfortable symptoms. You might feel like you’re caught in a never-ending cycle of stomach pain, bloating, and fatigue that no amount of over-the-counter medication seems to help. EGE (Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis) can be tricky because its symptoms often mimic those of other gastrointestinal disorders like IBS or food intolerances, making it hard to pinpoint without the right tests.
Whether it’s unexpected weight loss or constant bloating, EGE could be behind it all. In this blog, we’ll help you uncover the details about eosinophilic gastroenteritis, from its telltale symptoms to how it’s diagnosed and managed. By understanding this condition better, you’ll be will equip you with the knowledge to take proactive steps toward feeling better and getting your digestive health back on track.
What is Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis?
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is an inflammatory disorder where certain white blood cells, called eosinophils, mistakenly infiltrate the layers of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This buildup causes inflammation and can lead to tissue damage, making you feel miserable with symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and more. Also, EGE can affect any part of your digestive system, but it’s most commonly found in the stomach, small intestine, and sometimes the esophagus. Although it’s a rare condition, but it can be sever and can vary a lot from person to person. There are different types of EGE based on where the inflammation occurs in your GI tract:
1. Mucosal EGE
This type hits the innermost lining of your digestive tract. You might experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This is the most common form and often leads to trouble absorbing nutrients.
2. Muscular EGE
When EGE affects the muscle layer of your GI (gastrointestinal) tract, it’s known as muscular EGE. This type can cause pain, bloating, and even lead to problems like blockages in your digestive system. These symptoms can make everyday activities hard to manage.
3. Serosal EGE
The rarest type, this form affects the outermost layer of your GI tract and can lead to fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity, known as ascites. It’s less common but can cause severe symptoms, including significant abdominal swelling and discomfort.
Symptoms of Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis can show up in different ways, and the symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Here are the common signs you might experience, explained in simple terms:
1. Abdominal Pain and Cramping
You might feel a constant or on-and-off pain in your belly that can range from mild discomfort to severe cramps. You might feel sharp, stabbing pains or a dull, constant ache. Sometimes, you feel like pain comeing and going in waves and is making your stomach feel tight, twisted, or squeezed. You might notice the pain gets worse after eating, or it can randomly hit you throughout the day, leaving you feeling drained and uncomfortable. These cramps can disrupt your daily activities, making it hard to concentrate, work, or even enjoy a meal without worrying about the next bout of pain. If the pain is severe or persistent, it can affect your mood and make you feel stressed or anxious about your health.
2. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are pretty tough to deal with and can be frequent issues if you have eosinophilic gastroenteritis. With eosinophilic gastroenteritis, you might feel some digestive health issue and find that your stomach feels unsettled or upset, making you feel like you need to vomit, often right after eating. This feeling can come on suddenly, especially when you eat something, and can make it really hard to keep food or drinks down. When you do vomit, it might be your body’s way of trying to get rid of something that’s upsetting your stomach. Dealing with nausea and vomiting can make eating and staying hydrated challenging, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to manage these symptoms and get some relief.
3. Diarrhoea and Malabsorption
Inflammation in the GI tract can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to chronic diarrhea and symptoms of malabsorption. Diarrhoea means having loose, watery stools that come frequently and can be hard to control. It often makes you feel like you need to rush to the bathroom. Malabsorption happens when your body has trouble absorbing nutrients from the food you eat, which can lead to diarrhea and also cause weight loss or malnutrition. This means that even if you’re eating well, your body might not be getting the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy. When you experience weakness and fatigue from these issues highlights, you should quickly get a medical consultation to effectively to deal with the symptoms.
4. Bloating and Gas
Swelling in the intestines can cause bloating, gas, and a feeling of fullness, even when eating small amounts of food. Bloating makes your stomach feel swollen and tight, as if it’s full of air or fluid, even if you haven’t eaten much. This can make your belly look puffed up and cause a lot of discomfort. Gas, on the other hand, is when you have more gas than usual in your digestive system, leading to frequent burping or passing gas. Both bloating and gas can make you feel full too quickly and can be really uncomfortable.
5. Anemia
Anemia can be another concern if you have eosinophilic gastroenteritis. It means your body isn’t producing enough red blood cells or the cells aren’t working properly. Anemia can leave you feeling tired, weak, and dizzy because your body isn’t getting enough oxygen. You might also notice that you get tired more easily, even with normal activities, and you might look pale. Anemia can happen if your digestive issues prevent your body from absorbing the right nutrients or if you’re not eating enough because of your stomach problems. Addressing anemia usually involves treating the underlying condition and improving your diet.
Diagnosing Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis
Diagnosing eosinophilic gastroenteritis involves a few steps to figure out what’s causing your symptoms. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Endoscopy and Biopsy
Endoscopic examination allows doctors to visually inspect the gastrointestinal tract for signs of inflammation. During the Endoscopic ultrasound procedure, doctors use a thin, flexible tube with a small camera at the end, called an endoscope. Doctors gently insert this tube through your mouth or anus, depending on which part of your digestive tract needs to be examined. This lets them see inside your stomach or intestines in real time. While doing the endoscopy, the doctor will also take a tiny piece of tissue, called a biopsy, for closer examination. This biopsy is sent to a lab where experts look at it under a microscope to check for eosinophils and other signs of inflammation.
2. Blood Tests
Blood tests are a key part of diagnosing eosinophilic gastroenteritis. During this simple procedure, doctor takes a small sample of your blood. The blood is then sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to check for signs of eosinophils, which are a type of white blood cell that can build up in your digestive tract if you have this condition. The test can also help identify other issues, like anemia or signs of inflammation. By looking at the levels of eosinophils and other markers in your blood, doctors can get important clues about what might be causing your symptoms.
3. Allergy Testing
Since EGE is often associated with food allergies, allergy testing can help identify potential triggers that may be contributing to the inflammation. During allergy testing, your doctor will look for reactions to specific allergens that might be causing your symptoms. This could involve a skin test, where tiny amounts of allergens are applied to your skin to check for a reaction, or a blood test that measures your body’s response to these allergens.
Treatment Options for Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis
Treatment options for eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) focus on reducing inflammation, managing symptoms, and addressing any underlying causes. Here’s a breakdown of common approaches:
1. Dietary Management
Eliminating foods that trigger eosinophil activity is often the first step in managing EGE. Since certain foods can worsen your symptoms, your doctor might recommend starting with an elimination diet. This means you need to remove some specific foods from your diet that could be causing problems. You might then slowly reintroduce these foods to see if your symptoms return. Keeping a food diary can be helpful to track what you eat and how it affects you. By identifying and avoiding these triggers, you can help reduce inflammation and feel more comfortable.
2. Medications
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and control symptoms of eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE). These powerful medications work by calming down the immune system and decreasing the number of eosinophils in your digestive tract, which helps to ease inflammation and discomfort. Along with corticosteroids, your doctor might also suggest antihistamines if allergies are playing a role in your symptoms. For more severe cases, other drugs that suppress the immune system might be used. While these medications can help manage your symptoms effectively, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and report any side effects you experience.
3. Biologic Therapies
Emerging treatments for EGE include biologic therapies, which target specific parts of the immune system involved in the inflammatory process. Unlike traditional medications, biologics are designed to zero in on particular proteins or cells that contribute to inflammation. These therapies work by blocking or modifying the activity of these immune system components, helping to reduce inflammation and symptoms more precisely. Biologic therapies are also helpful for people with severe EGE who don’t respond well to other treatments. They are usually given through injections or infusions and may be used alongside other treatments to manage the condition more effectively.
4. Monitoring and Follow-Up
Regular follow-up with a gastroenterologist is essential to monitor the condition and adjust the treatment plan as needed. During these visits, your doctor will check how well your current treatments are working and make any necessary changes to help manage your symptoms better. They may review your symptoms, perform tests, and discuss any side effects you might be experiencing. Keeping these appointments helps ensure that your treatment is effective and allows your doctor to catch any potential issues early on.
Final Words
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a complex condition that requires a personalized approach to manage effectively. Recognizing the symptoms early, working closely with healthcare professionals, and staying committed to your treatment plan are crucial steps in achieving better control over the condition. If you suspect that you have EGE, consulting with an experienced gastroenterologist like Dr. Preetha Thomas can provide the guidance needed to navigate this condition and improve your quality of life. By consulting with experts, you’ll get a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs, ongoing support to adjust your care as necessary, and a clearer path to managing your symptoms effectively.