Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder

Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder

EGIDs are a collection of allergic digestive gastrointestinal disorders characterized by tissue inflammation and destruction from eosinophils (a type of white blood cell). These can affect the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is the most prevalent EGID. EoE is a disorder most prominently hallmarked by feeding difficulties, difficulty swallowing, food impaction (e.g., getting stuck), nausea, vomiting, reflux, failure to thrive/weight loss, and the abnormal accumulation of eosinophils in a patchy distribution along the esophagus. This typically affects males and individuals with a history of allergy or a family history of allergy.

Food allergens are prominent triggers, but there are not always direct symptoms from eating foods. The damage is chronic. Inhaled allergens (such as pollen) also play an important role. Although EGID may be triggered by foods and managed by allergists (as well as gastroenterologists), these are complex disorders that are handled independently from food allergy.

To learn more about EoE and other EGIDs, please visit the following organizations: 

• American Partnership For Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) 
• American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) for EoE Patients
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
• Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease (CURED)
• Life with EoE: The Patient Experience and Opportunities to Improve Care in the U.S.
• Your Guide to Managing Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)