Eosinophilic gastroenteritis affects the lining of the stomach, both intestines and at times the large intestines may be infiltrated with eosinophilis, which is a white blood cell. This can spread to other organs and, though rare, affects mostly children and teenagers. Treatment of eosinophilic disorders depends on the severity and location of the symptoms. Though there is no permanent cure, in most cases the symptoms and causes of the disease can be controlled through diet and medication.
Elimination of Sensitive Foods and Improving the Diet
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is sometimes treated by eliminating certain foods from the diet. Skin testing is done to check sensitivity to the foods and then the particularly sensitive foods are recommended for removal.
Pharmacotherapy
Supportive treatment includes oral drugs like glucocorticosteroids that help patients with obstructive symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Patients who show symptoms of mucosal layer problems are given anti-inflammatory drugs like oral oral cromolyn and glucocorticoids [Nguyen, 2008]. These problems may include heartburn, gastroentritis and acidity.
Surgery
Surgery is a suggested treatment but not recommended unless the patient has small bowel obstruction or needs relief from persistent pyloric obstruction.
Elemental Diet
Sometimes elemental diets can help, which means no intake of proteins either in their pre-digested or hydrolyzed form is permitted in the diet. Special formulas are made of amino-acids so that no allergens penetrate the body. Examples include Neocate® and Elecare®. [Nguyen, 2008].
Topical Steroids
Topical steroids have shown to reduce the eosinophil counts in children and drugs like Fluticasone proprionate (Flovent®), are used for this purpose. The fluticasone is sprayed in the mouth and the dosage is higher than that used for allergies and asthma. Budesonide mixed with a viscous solution can also be helpful for treatment.
Other Medications
Alternative Chinese medicines have been tried with little success, and while some medicines like leukotriene inhibitors improve the symptoms the eosinophil numbers do not decrease. Other drugs like montelukast and ketotifen have had no success either.
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