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Eosinophilic Ileitis
Eosinophilic ileitis is a rare inflammatory disorder marked by eosinophil buildup in the ileum, causing abdominal pain, cramping, and digestive distress. At GastroDoxs, Dr. Scott offers comprehensive diagnostics and personalized treatments, combining diet, medications, and minimally invasive procedures for care.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Food allergies or food sensitivities
Family history of allergies or autoimmune disease
An overactive immune system response
Environmental triggers such as pollen or dust mites
Other eosinophilic disorders in the digestive tract
Signs and Symptoms
Pain or cramping in the lower-right abdomen
Loose stools or frequent bowel movements
Gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort
Unintended weight loss
Fatigue or weakness from poor nutrient absorption
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Eosinophilic Ileitis?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your symptom detail-including epigastric or lower-right quadrant pain, food triggers, allergy history and any family history of autoimmune or allergic conditions. A thorough abdominal exam checks for tenderness, bloating or palpable masses.
Blood Tests
Complete blood count with differential to quantify eosinophils, plus inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) and allergy panels to identify food sensitivities or atopic tendencies.
Imaging Studies
CT scan or abdominal ultrasound to look for thickening or edema of the ileal wall.
MRI enterography for detailed mapping of small-bowel inflammation and strictures.
Endoscopy with Biopsy
Using a flexible scope (or capsule endoscopy if needed), Dr. Scott obtains small-intestinal tissue samples from the ileum. Pathology confirms elevated eosinophil counts and rules out infectious or other inflammatory causes.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for eosinophilic ileitis.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Changes
An elimination diet to identify and avoid food triggers
Low-FODMAP meal plan to reduce bloating and gas
Smaller, more frequent meals to aid digestion
Hydration guidance and gentle daily exercise
2. Medications
Steroids to lower intestinal inflammation
Mast cell stabilizers or leukotriene blockers
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) if acid is contributing to symptoms
Biologic drugs for more severe or treatment-resistant cases
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic balloon dilation to relieve strictures
Capsule endoscopy for detailed visualization of the small intestine
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes eosinophilic ileitis?
It's often triggered by food allergies, immune system overreactions, or genetic factors.
How long does treatment take?
Most patients see improvement within 4-6 weeks, with complete healing in 3-6 months.
Can diet fix it alone?
Diet helps many people, but some need medications like steroids or biologics to reduce inflammation.
Is this common in Houston?
The condition is rare overall, but Dr. Scott treats many local cases from across the Houston area.
Will I need another biopsy later?
A follow-up endoscopy with biopsy is usually done 6-12 months later to confirm healing.
Will insurance pay for treatment?
Most insurance plans cover tests and treatments; our team will verify your benefits for you.
What's the ICD-10 code for this condition?
The code is K52.8: Other specified noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis.
