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Pediatric Eosinophilic Colitis
Pediatric specialists at Children's Health℠ are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive and nutrition issues in children, including eosinophilic colitis (EC). At Children’s Health, our team of experts work together to offer your child early diagnosis and treatment. Catching EC early means we can help your child achieve the best symptom relief, growth, development and overall health.
Our team includes pediatric gastroenterologists, allergists, pathologists and nutritionists. These specialists blend their expertise to help your child in every possible way, and set your child up for a happier, healthier life.
What is Pediatric Eosinophilic Colitis?
Eosinophilic colitis (EC) is a rare condition where too many eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, gather in the large intestine. Eosinophils are necessary for the body's response to allergic reactions, asthma and parasitic infections. But too many eosinophils can cause swelling and inflammation.
EC is a type of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder (EGID). Like other EGIDs, EC might be associated with other conditions, such as food allergies or asthma, and can affect how your child eats, grows and develops.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Eosinophilic Colitis?
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Bloody diarrhea
- Diarrhea
How is Pediatric Eosinophilic Colitis diagnosed?
Our team uses a series of tests to diagnose EC in children, including:
- Allergy testing. These tests may not be indicated in all patients but in some patients can provide information about which foods might be triggering your child’s EC.
- Colonoscopy. For this test, we use a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached to it, called a scope. The scope helps us examine your child’s colon, rectum and last part of the small intestine.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy. Using a scope, your child’s care team will examine their lower colon and rectum.
During a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, our team will collect a small portion of tissue to look for eosinophils under a microscope. Your child’s care team might order these tests throughout your child’s care, as well, to see how well treatment is working.
Your child’s physician will tell you what the next steps are for your child. Not every child needs all of these tests.
What causes Pediatric Eosinophilic Colitis?
EC is triggered by your child’s allergies and food intolerances. For many children, the exact trigger is unknown. However, the protein found in cow’s milk is a common trigger of EC.
Children with a personal or family history of food allergies are at a higher risk for developing this condition.
How is Pediatric Eosinophilic Colitis treated?
During your child’s first visit, we will also use child-friendly language, equipment and amenities to tailor our approach to helping your child feel comfortable and at ease while we treat their EC. Our expert team of multidisciplinary specialists will develop a custom treatment plan for your child that is based on their medical history and that works best for your family.
Your child’s treatment plan will focus on:
- Eliminating possible triggers of your child’s EC. We will eliminate common trigger foods, such as milk or wheat, as well as any foods we already know your child is allergic to from their diet. In some cases, especially with infants, we will put your child on a liquid formula diet in which the allergen is completely broken down. That way, your child can get the nutrition they need while also preventing the inflammation from worsening. Removing food triggers from your child’s diet helps prevent eosinophils from causing damage to your child’s intestine.
- Resolving the inflammation in your child’s large intestine. We may introduce steroids or proton pump inhibitors to target and reduce your child’s intestinal inflammation.
Pediatric Eosinophilic Colitis Doctors and Providers
Children’s Health experts are here to help identify your child’s food allergies and manage inflammation before it can cause serious problems. Schedule an appointment with one of our providers today.
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Aakash Goyal, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Christopher Parrish, MD Pediatric Allergist -
Claudia Phen, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is most at risk for developing EC?
In general, EGIDs are slightly more common among boys and are most prevalent in older children and adults. Children with a history of allergies, eczema, and seasonal asthma are more likely to develop these disorders.
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Will my child recover from their EC?
There is no cure for EC, but the condition is manageable — especially if we can catch it early. The sooner we can start treating your child, the sooner your child can absorb nutrients to help them grow and develop. Children’s Health is here to help get your child’s nutrition on track for life.