Eosinophilic Digestive Diseases: Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Gastroenteritis, and Colitis

Abstract

Eosinophilic digestive diseases (EDD) are relatively rare disorders associated with increased gastrointestinal eosinophilic infiltrates without any underlying primary etiology. The pathophysiology of EDD is unclear, but is suspected to be related to a hypersensitivity reaction given its correlation with other atopic disorders and clinical response to corticosteroid therapy. Given the overall relative increase of various atopic conditions, it is important for clinicians to understand the presentation and diagnosis and treatment options available. We present here a review of EDD, including the proposed pathophysiology, diagnosis and current treatment options for these disorders.

Keywords

• atopy
• colitis
• eosinophils
• esophagitis
• gastritis