What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and symptoms may range from mild discomfort to intense pain. Common causes include infections, medications (especially NSAIDs), excessive alcohol, and immune system reactions. However, in some cases, allergies may also play a role.

Allergies and Inflammation

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to typically harmless substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods. This reaction leads to inflammation, a key factor in many allergy symptoms. In some individuals, allergic inflammation may extend to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, potentially contributing to gastritis-like symptoms.

Juniper Allergy specializes in treating a wide range of environmental allergies and food allergies that can impact various organ systems, including the GI tract.

Can Allergies Cause Gastritis?

Yes, certain allergic responses can contribute to gastritis. One example is eosinophilic gastritis, an allergic condition characterized by high levels of eosinophils—a type of white blood cell—in the stomach. These cells release chemicals that trigger inflammation and damage the stomach lining.

Food allergies are a primary culprit in eosinophilic gastritis, but other allergens such as pollen or dust mites may also play a role in some individuals through cross-reactivity or systemic inflammation. While rare, it’s essential for patients with unexplained GI symptoms and known allergies to be evaluated by an allergy specialist.

Symptoms and Causes

Common Symptoms of Gastritis

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Indigestion
• Feeling of fullness after eating small meals

Gastritis Caused by Allergies May Include:

• Symptoms that flare after allergen exposure or certain foods
• Co-occurring allergic conditions such as eczema or asthma
• Health history of allergic rhinitis or pet allergies

Diagnosis and Tests

Proper diagnosis begins with a full evaluation of symptoms, dietary habits, and allergy history. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Allergy Tests: Skin testing, blood tests, and food allergy testing can reveal sensitivities.
• Endoscopy: A procedure to view the stomach lining and check for inflammation or eosinophilic infiltration.
• Biopsy: Tissue samples help confirm eosinophilic gastritis.

Juniper Allergy offers comprehensive allergy and gastrointestinal testing to identify potential allergens contributing to digestive inflammation.

Management and Treatment

Strategies for Controlling Gastritis Caused by Allergies

• Allergen Avoidance: Identifying and avoiding trigger foods or substances is crucial.
• Medications: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and acid reducers may relieve symptoms.
• Elimination Diets: Under medical supervision, these diets help uncover food sensitivities.
• Immunotherapy: For environmental triggers, options like allergy shots or sublingual drops may offer long-term relief.

For patients with eosinophilic gastritis, corticosteroids and biologic treatments may be considered. Juniper Allergy also offers targeted biologic therapies tailored to your immune response.

Outlook and Prognosis

With accurate diagnosis and personalized management, outcomes for allergies-related gastritis are generally positive. Symptoms can often be controlled effectively with dietary changes, medications, and ongoing care. Left untreated, chronic inflammation may lead to complications like ulcers or nutrient malabsorption.

Prevention

While not all cases are preventable, the risk of allergic gastritis can be reduced by:

• Managing underlying allergies
• Maintaining a food diary to track symptoms and diet
• Staying current on allergy evaluations if symptoms change
• Working with a board-certified allergist to develop a proactive plan

Living With Allergies and Gastritis

Navigating life with both allergies and gastritis can be challenging, but informed lifestyle adjustments make a significant difference. Consider:

• Keeping a symptom tracker and log of flare-ups
• Communicating known allergens at restaurants or social events
• Monitoring for signs of serious reactions, such as anaphylaxis
• Consulting specialists for nutrition and allergy management

What Is Eosinophilic Gastritis?

Eosinophilic gastritis is a rare type of chronic gastritis where eosinophils—immune cells involved in allergic reactions—accumulate in the stomach lining, causing inflammation and digestive symptoms. It’s part of a broader group called eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs), which may affect the stomach, esophagus, or colon.

What Are Eosinophils?

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell activated during allergic responses. When triggered by allergens or immune dysfunction, they infiltrate tissues and cause inflammation, especially in conditions like eosinophilic gastritis or eosinophilic esophagitis.

Who Is Affected by Eosinophilic Gastritis?

This condition can affect both children and adults, with many patients having a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or atopic dermatitis. Genetic and environmental factors both contribute to susceptibility.

What Are the Types of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders?

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
• Eosinophilic Gastritis (EG)
• Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis (EGE)
• Eosinophilic Colitis

How Common Is Eosinophilic Gastritis?

Though relatively rare, eosinophilic gastritis is an increasingly recognized condition due to improved diagnostic awareness and advanced allergy testing techniques.

What Causes Eosinophilic Gastritis?

It’s typically triggered by food allergens or broader immune system dysfunction. Common food triggers include dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs. In some cases, environmental allergies may contribute through indirect inflammatory pathways.

What Are the Symptoms of Eosinophilic Gastritis?

• Chronic abdominal pain
• Vomiting or nausea
• Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

How Is Eosinophilic Gastritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves upper endoscopy with biopsy, supported by allergy-focused evaluations and eosinophil counts in tissue samples. Juniper Allergy works with gastroenterologists when collaborative care is needed.

What Tests Help Diagnose Eosinophilic Gastritis?

• Upper endoscopy with biopsy
• Allergy blood panels and skin testing
• Elimination diet followed by food reintroductions

Is There a Cure for Eosinophilic Gastritis?

There is no guaranteed cure, but symptom control can be highly effective through coordinated care, proper diagnosis, and adherence to treatment strategies.

Is Eosinophilic Gastritis Life-Threatening?

Most cases are not life-threatening, but in severe cases, extensive inflammation can lead to complications like bleeding, malabsorption, or poor growth in children. Close monitoring and specialist care are essential.

What Is the Treatment for Eosinophilic Gastritis?

Treatment depends on severity and individual triggers. Options may include:

• Dietary elimination of trigger foods
• Corticosteroid medications
• Biologic injections to control immune response
• Allergy immunotherapy in select cases

What’s the Outlook for Eosinophilic Gastritis?

With multidisciplinary care, most patients experience significant improvement or remission. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and minimized GI damage.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Developing Eosinophilic Gastritis?

Managing allergies early, using modern diagnostics, and working with allergists can help reduce risk. Avoid known allergens and monitor new symptoms promptly.

Will Eosinophilic Gastritis Affect My Quality of Life?

With the right allergy treatment plan and dietary guidance, most patients can live full and active lives. Regular follow-ups are key to long-term stability.

When Should I Seek Care for Eosinophilic Gastritis?

If you experience ongoing digestive symptoms along with a history of allergies, or if standard treatments for gastritis haven’t helped, seek evaluation from an allergy and immunology specialist.

Experience Personalized Allergy Care

If your gastritis symptoms may be allergy-related, contact Juniper Allergy for personalized testing, diagnosis, and treatment options. We’re committed to improving your quality of life through expert care.