Eosinophilic colitis is a digestive disorder characterized by a high number of eosinophils in the large intestine. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play an important role in allergic diseases and the immune response to parasitic infections. The signs and symptoms of eosinophilic colitis can affect the digestive system, making it difficult to eat normally and maintain normal bowel habits.
Digestive Symptoms
According to the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders, many of the symptoms of eosinophilic colitis affect the digestive system. Digestive system problems of eosinophilic colitis include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, blood in the stool and abdominal pain.
Failure to Thrive
Failure to thrive is a condition characterized by poor growth or weight loss. This occurs in people with eosinophilic colitis because inflammation in the bowel makes it difficult to absorb nutrients from food. When nutrients cannot be absorbed, levels of important vitamins and minerals decline. This can cause fatigue, weakness, weight loss and a general ill feeling.
Pain
Because this is an inflammatory condition, pain caused by eosinophilic colitis is common. This pain can occur in the abdomen or chest. If severe eosinophilic colitis is present, an intestinal obstruction may occur. This causes severe pain, vomiting and other digestive symptoms. It is important to report severe pain to a physician so that it can be evaluated.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus. This occurs because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly or opens spontaneously. Acid reflux of eosinophilic colitis occurs because the LES can become weakened as eosinophils damage the digestive tract. Acid reflux can be treated with over the counter antacids or prescription drugs that control the amount of acid the stomach produces.
Eating Difficulties
When the digestive tract is damaged by eosinophils, it is difficult to eat normally. People with eosinophilic colitis may have difficulty swallowing or experience food getting stuck in the throat. Gastroparesis, which is a delayed emptying of the stomach, can also occur in cases of eosinophilic colitis. Poor appetite and malnutrition are also possible signs and symptoms of this condition.
Sleep Disturbances
People with eosinophilic colitis may experience insomnia. Insomnia can be characterized by difficulty falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep. Common symptoms of insomnia include waking up during the night, having trouble getting back to sleep after waking, waking up too early in the morning and feeling tired in the morning. Insomnia that is related to a medical condition like eosinophilic colitis is referred to as secondary insomnia.
