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Eosinophilic Gastritis
Eosinophilic gastritis is a rare condition characterized by excessive eosinophil buildup in the stomach lining, causing pain, nausea, and distress. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers diagnosis, tailored diet modifications, advanced treatments, and compassionate care to restore health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
What Is Eosinophilic Gastritis?
Eosinophilic gastritis is a rare inflammatory disorder in which eosinophils—a type of white blood cell involved in allergic responses—accumulate in the stomach lining. This buildup leads to swelling, pain, and a range of digestive symptoms. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can help most patients achieve relief.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Food allergies, especially to dairy, eggs, wheat or soy
Environmental allergens such as pollen or dust mites
Personal or family history of asthma, eczema, or other allergic conditions
Genetic predisposition to heightened immune responses
Immune system overreaction in the gastrointestinal tract
Signs and Symptoms
Upper abdominal pain or cramping, often after meals
Nausea and occasional vomiting
Diarrhea or loose stools
Early satiety (feeling full after small amounts)
Unintentional weight loss and reduced appetite
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Epigastric Pain from Eosinophilic Gastritis?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He asks about your stomach pain, meal patterns, known allergies (food or environmental), and any prior GI issues.
Blood Tests
We check a complete blood count for elevated eosinophils and rule out parasitic infections or other causes of inflammation.
Upper Endoscopy and Biopsy
Endoscopy lets Dr. Nguyen view the stomach lining for signs of swelling, nodules, or redness.
Multiple biopsies are taken to quantify eosinophil infiltration and exclude infections or celiac disease.
Allergy Assessment
Skin‐prick tests or serum‐specific IgE panels identify potential food or environmental triggers contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for eosinophilic gastritis.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Elimination diets targeting common triggers (dairy, eggs, wheat, soy)
Systematic food reintroduction to identify problem foods
Collaboration with a dietitian for balanced, nutrient-rich meals
Stress-reduction techniques to minimize symptom flares
Keeping a food and symptom diary to guide personalized adjustments
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid and relieve discomfort
Topical or systemic steroids to calm gastric inflammation
Biologic therapies for severe or refractory cases
Medication plans tailored to symptom severity and patient history
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Diagnostic endoscopy with biopsy for accurate tissue assessment
Endoscopic dilation if stomach narrowing from chronic inflammation occurs
Advanced endoscopic therapies to relieve strictures without surgery
Rapid recovery protocols to get you back to normal activities
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does treatment work?
Many patients feel better within two to four weeks after starting dietary changes, medications, or minimally invasive procedures under Dr. Nguyen's care.
Is eosinophilic gastritis a lifelong condition?
It can be chronic, but with proper management many people experience long symptom-free periods or even remission.
Can children develop eosinophilic gastritis?
Yes. Eosinophilic gastritis affects both children and adults. Early recognition and treatment are important for kids.
Do I need to stop eating trigger foods forever?
Not necessarily. Once symptoms improve, Dr. Nguyen may guide you to reintroduce foods one at a time to expand your diet.
Will insurance cover the costs?
Most insurance plans cover diagnostic tests and treatments. Our staff can help verify your benefits and assist with insurance questions.
Are there local support groups?
Yes. We can connect you with Houston-area digestive health and allergy support groups for additional resources and peer support.
How do I track my symptoms?
Keep a food and symptom diary or use a mobile app to log meals, triggers, and symptom changes. This data helps Dr. Nguyen tailor your treatment plan.
