About EGID's (Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders)
Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders are characterized by having above normal amounts of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in one or more specific places anywhere in the digestive system. EGID is further subdivided into organ-specific diagnosis. For example, Eosinophilic Gastritis means eosinophils infiltrating the stomach. While visual inflammation is not always present, inflammation may be apparent under the microscope.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE): high amounts of eosinophils occurring in the esophagus.
Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis (EGE) affects the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Eosinophilic Colitis (EC) describes the occurrence of high amounts of eosinophils in the large intestine.
What is an Eosinophil?
Eosinophils (ee-oh-sin-oh-fillz) are a type of white blood cell (WBC). Eosinophils are the least common of the white blood cells and comprise approximately 1-4% of the blood’s cellular make-up. Eosinophils are most commonly associated with allergic diseases and parasite infections.
What are the Symptoms of EGID?
Symptoms vary widely, depending on the area affected. Symptoms include:
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Failure to thrive (poor growth or weight loss)
• Abdominal or chest pain
• Reflux that does not respond to usual therapy (which includes proton pump inhibitors,
a medicine which stops acid production)
• Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)
• Food impactions (food gets stuck in the throat)
• Gastroparesis (Delayed emptying of the stomach)
• Anorexia (poor appetite)
• Bloating
• Anemia
• Blood in the stool
• Malnutrition
• Difficulty sleeping
Since none of these symptoms are specific for EGID, and many occur at times in healthy children or adults, the diagnosis is generally sought only after the symptoms have failed to resolve. Eosinophilic disorders can mimic the symptoms of other diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome and reflux, among others.
How are Eosinophil associated GI disorders Diagnosed?
Endoscopy and biopsy is the ONLY way to confirm the diagnosis of EGID. During an endoscopy, the gastroenterologist looks at the GI tract through an endoscope and takes multiple small samples (biopsies) which the pathologist reviews. A high number of eosinophils (counted per high power field) suggest the diagnosis of EGID. The pathologist will also look for the location of the eosinophils, changes in the tissue layers, and degranulation (spilling of the contents of the eosinophils).
How are EGID’s Treated?
Avoidance of certain foods may be necessary after being assessed by an allergist to help ease symptoms . Others may require medication, elemental formulas (protein is broken down into amino acids, eliminating the chance of an allergic reaction), or a combination of treatments. Talk with the health care team working with you and/or your child to determine the best treatment plan specific to your needs
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE): high amounts of eosinophils occurring in the esophagus.
Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis (EGE) affects the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Eosinophilic Colitis (EC) describes the occurrence of high amounts of eosinophils in the large intestine.
What is an Eosinophil?
Eosinophils (ee-oh-sin-oh-fillz) are a type of white blood cell (WBC). Eosinophils are the least common of the white blood cells and comprise approximately 1-4% of the blood’s cellular make-up. Eosinophils are most commonly associated with allergic diseases and parasite infections.
What are the Symptoms of EGID?
Symptoms vary widely, depending on the area affected. Symptoms include:
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Failure to thrive (poor growth or weight loss)
• Abdominal or chest pain
• Reflux that does not respond to usual therapy (which includes proton pump inhibitors,
a medicine which stops acid production)
• Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)
• Food impactions (food gets stuck in the throat)
• Gastroparesis (Delayed emptying of the stomach)
• Anorexia (poor appetite)
• Bloating
• Anemia
• Blood in the stool
• Malnutrition
• Difficulty sleeping
Since none of these symptoms are specific for EGID, and many occur at times in healthy children or adults, the diagnosis is generally sought only after the symptoms have failed to resolve. Eosinophilic disorders can mimic the symptoms of other diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome and reflux, among others.
How are Eosinophil associated GI disorders Diagnosed?
Endoscopy and biopsy is the ONLY way to confirm the diagnosis of EGID. During an endoscopy, the gastroenterologist looks at the GI tract through an endoscope and takes multiple small samples (biopsies) which the pathologist reviews. A high number of eosinophils (counted per high power field) suggest the diagnosis of EGID. The pathologist will also look for the location of the eosinophils, changes in the tissue layers, and degranulation (spilling of the contents of the eosinophils).
How are EGID’s Treated?
Avoidance of certain foods may be necessary after being assessed by an allergist to help ease symptoms . Others may require medication, elemental formulas (protein is broken down into amino acids, eliminating the chance of an allergic reaction), or a combination of treatments. Talk with the health care team working with you and/or your child to determine the best treatment plan specific to your needs