People with eosinophilic (ee-uh-sin-eh-FIL-ik) gastroenteritis have a buildup of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the lining of their stomach and intestines. This leads to inflammation (swelling, thickening, and irritation) of the walls of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms of eosinophilic gastroenteritis include belly pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

In many kids, this is a long-term condition that gets better with dietary changes, but it may flare up at times.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is treated by a care team that includes your regular healthcare provider and medical specialists. They will work with you and your child to prescribe medicines, find what foods to avoid that are making the condition worse, and make sure your child gets the nutrition they need.

Here's how to care for your child.

Follow your care team's instructions for:

• Making dietary changes. If they recommend avoiding specific foods (also called an elimination diet) that seem to make the condition worse, you should try this diet for at least 4–6 weeks. Follow up with your healthcare provider on your child's progress.
• Making appointments to see any specialists, such as:
  • A gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in treating the digestive system)
  • An allergist (a doctor who treats problems with the immune system, such as allergies or asthma)
  • A dietitian (nutrition specialist)
• Giving any prescribed medicines. 
• Taking your child for any follow-up appointments or procedures.

Your child:

• Gets new symptoms such as belly pain, white spots in the mouth or throat, blood in their poop, constipation (poops less often than usual), or trouble swallowing
• Has worsening symptoms or doesn't feel better after several weeks of treatment
• Seems to be losing weight

Your child:

• Is vomiting and can't keep any foods or liquids down. This could be a sign of a blockage in the intestine preventing food from being passed through.
• Has very bad belly pain.

What causes eosinophilic gastroenteritis? The cause of eosinophilic gastroenteritis is not clear. It may run in families, and it is more likely to happen in kids who also have allergies, asthma, or eczema.

How is eosinophilic gastroenteritis treated? Treatment for eosinophilic gastroenteritis usually starts with changes in the diet. If the diet changes don't work, the care team may prescribe steroid medicines. These are medicines that lower inflammation in the stomach and intestines and ease symptoms. With treatment, flare-ups should happen less often and won't be as severe.

Where can I go for more support for my child? The following foundations are available to help you get the support you need for your family:

• Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease, online at curedfoundation.org
• Eos Network, online at eosnetwork.org