Gastroenteritis, Eosinophilic
Gastroenteritis, Eosinophilic Causes
This rare condition is caused by eosinophilic infiltration into the gastrointestinal tract. While eosinophil is a normal defense mechanism in the gastrointestinal tract, what has been described as a deviant pathogenic response triggered by the disease results in the said infiltration of eosinophil in deeper gastrointestinal tract tissues.
Gastroenteritis, Eosinophilic Definition
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a condition first documented in 1937 by Kaijser. It manifests as the diffuse eosinophilic infiltration in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, usually with chronic relapses. Any point of the gastrointestinal tract may contract this condition, and how it manifests depends on the extent of the involvement of the bowel wall. Common areas of the GI tract that are affected are the stomach, the small intestine, and the colon.
Gastroenteritis, Eosinophilic Diagnosis
A CT scan showing irregular thickness on folds in the stomach and bowel area may indicate this diagnosis, alongside gastrointestinal symptoms and the absence of parasitic disease. A definite diagnosis is established with a histological evidence of the occurrence of eosinophilic infiltration, as manifested by patchy areas in the gastrointestinal tract and irregular thicknesses. This evidence is derived usually from microscopy, if not laparoscopy.
Gastroenteritis, Eosinophilic Symptoms and Signs
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis manifests itself with symptoms that are non-specific to the GI tract, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. Due to the rarity of the disease, most of these symptoms are experienced for many years before diagnosis.
Gastroenteritis, Eosinophilic Treatment
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is usually managed with the use of corticosteroid therapy. Steroid-sparing agents, if eosinophilic gastroenteritis is deemed to have arisen from an allergy, are used. A diet eliminating possible food allergens is used for possible food allergy triggers.