Treating Eosinophilic Diseases Affecting the Digestive Tract
Welcome to the University of Utah Adult Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Clinic (EGID) where we specialize in the care and treatment of patients with conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis, gastritis, duodenitis, jejunitis, ileitis (collectively enteritis), and colitis.
Allergic GI Diseases
EGIDs, or eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, are believed to be allergic diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract. EGIDs can affect all sexes and ages. At the University of Utah EGID Clinic, our providers are committed providing coordinated and multidisciplinary care to our patients.
EGIDs were previously thought to be rare diseases; however, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in particular is increasingly diagnosed. In spite of this, there is only one FDA-approved therapy for EoE and no current FDA-approved therapies for the remaining EGIDs. However, understanding EGIDs is an active area of our clinical and research interests and at the core of our EGID Clinic. Our clinic participates in clinical trials which may be of interest to you.
EGID Causes & Conditions
EGID disorders are disorders that have above normal amounts of eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell in specific places of the digestive system. EGID disorders can be divided into conditions specific to different organs:
- Eosinophilic Gastritis (EoG): EoG has high numbers of eosinophils in the stomach.
- Eosinophilic Enteritis (EoN): EoN affects the stomach and small intestine.
- Eosinophilic Colitis (EoC): EoC has high numbers of eosinophils in the large intestine.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
Visually providers cannot always see the inflammation caused by EGIDs; however, we can sometimes see inflammation under the microscope.
Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Symptoms & Diagnosis
EGID Symptoms
Symptoms can be different for each condition because inflammation in each digestive organ happens differently. For example, if the inflamed organ is the esophagus, you may have trouble swallowing. If your colon is inflamed, you may experience diarrhea or pain.
Diagnosing EGIDS
There is not a definitive standard way, at this time, for doctors to diagnose EGIDs. Doctors mainly use these characteristics to look for EGIDs:
- Inflammation
- Numbers of eosinophils in the digestive system
- Activity of eosinophils
- Symptoms of eosinophils
If you have above normal amounts of eosinophils in your digestive system, you may not necessarily have an EGID. You could have another inflammatory disease that could include eosinophils but is not just an eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder. Other inflammatory diseases could include Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Often a pathologist must look at a biopsy to diagnose the exact condition. Also, since eosinophils are normal in the gastrointestinal system, determining just how large an amount of them contribute to disease is difficult.
Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases Treatment
Your treatment options will be different depending on your needs and the type of EGID you have. Providers also consider whether your inflammation is from foods you are allergic to. In general, your provider will suggest therapies such as:
- acid suppression (proton pump inhibitors),
- biologic or small molecule medications,
- specialized elimination diets, and
- topical or systemic steroids.
If the inflammation is affecting your stomach, intestine, and/or colon, your condition may be less likely to be caused by food allergies.
When Should You See a Provider?
If you have a diagnosis of an EGID, you should work with a provider who specializes in the treatment of EGIDs. Because EGIDs are chronic inflammatory diseases, you will need regular follow ups, even if your disease is in remission.
To See a Provider in Our EGID Clinic
To see one of our gastrointestinal or allergy specialists, you must have:
- a confirmed diagnosis of EGID and
- seen one of our gastrointestinal specialists.
Find an EGID Provider Near You
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
At your initial visit, you will see either an allergist or gastroenterologist. We communicate and work closely with each other to provide the best care. In the coming months, this clinic will be offered as a joint visit so you will see providers at the same time.
We also work closely with nutritionists and you can have an appointment with a dietitian about dietary options.