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Eosinophilic Jejunitis
Eosinophilic jejunitis is a rare condition marked by eosinophil accumulation in the small intestine, causing pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption. At GastroDoxs Houston, Dr. Scott offers expert personalized diagnosis, dietary guidance, comprehensive medication, and advanced endoscopic care for lasting symptom relief.
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.
What Is Eosinophilic Jejunitis?
Eosinophilic jejunitis is a rare condition in which eosinophils-a type of white blood cell-accumulate in the jejunum (the middle part of the small intestine). This buildup leads to inflammation and can interfere with normal digestion, causing a range of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Food allergies (most often milk, soy or wheat)
Family history of asthma, eczema or allergic conditions
An overactive immune response
Environmental triggers such as pollen or dust
Other eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders
Signs and Symptoms
Belly pain or cramps, often after meals
Diarrhea or loose, frequent stools
Unintended weight loss
Bloating or excessive gas
Nausea and occasionally vomiting
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
1. Medical History
He'll review your symptoms (like epigastric pain, bloating, diarrhea), diet, known allergies, family history of atopy, and any treatments you've tried.
2. Physical Exam
He gently palpates your abdomen-especially the epigastric and jejunal regions-to assess tenderness, distension, or masses.
3. Blood Tests
Complete blood count (CBC) to check for elevated eosinophils
Allergy panels to identify food or environmental triggers
Inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) to rule out other causes
4. Endoscopy with Biopsy
He performs a small-bowel endoscopy, visualizes the jejunum, and takes targeted biopsies. Pathology confirms eosinophilic infiltration and rules out celiac or infectious causes.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for eosinophilic jejunitis.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Elimination diet to identify and remove trigger foods (milk, soy, wheat)
Customized meal plans created by our dietitian for balanced nutrition
Food journal to track meals and symptom patterns
Small, frequent meals to ease digestion and reduce discomfort
2. Medications
Steroids (prednisone or budesonide) to reduce intestinal inflammation
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) if acid reflux contributes to symptoms
Biologics (anti-IL-5) for cases resistant to conventional therapy
Antihistamines for allergy-related digestive reactions
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic dilation to gently stretch narrowed sections of the jejunum
Feeding tube support in severe cases to ensure adequate nutrition
Repeat endoscopic biopsies to monitor healing and eosinophil levels
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 jejunitis?
Usually food allergies like dairy, soy, or wheat. Environmental triggers such as dust or pollen may also play a role.
Is it the same as eosinophilic gastritis?
No. Eosinophilic gastritis affects the stomach lining, whereas eosinophilic jejunitis involves eosinophil buildup in the small intestine.
Can diet alone fix it?
An elimination or specialized diet helps a lot, but many patients also require medication to control inflammation.
How soon will I feel better?
Most patients notice improvement within 2 to 4 weeks. Full remission and healing may take several months with ongoing care.
Will I need more endoscopies?
Yes. Follow-up endoscopies and biopsies help monitor healing and confirm that eosinophil levels are decreasing.
Are there long-term risks?
If untreated, chronic eosinophil inflammation can lead to intestinal narrowing. Proper management minimizes long-term complications.
Do you treat children?
Dr. Scott specializes in adult GI care. Pediatric cases are referred to our trusted pediatric gastroenterology partners.
