Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal
Disorders (EGID)
What exactly are eosinophils (ee-oh-sin-oh-fillz)? They are white blood cells that help the body fight certain infections. Eosinophils are most commonly associated with allergic diseases.
EGID 101 Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are chronic digestive system disorders in which eosinophils are found in higher than normal amounts in areas of the digestive tract.
These disorders typically occur in three areas: in the esophagus — eosinophilic esophagitis; in the stomach and small intestine — called eosinophilic gastroenteritis; and in the large intestine — eosinophilic colitis.
Common EGID Symptoms - Vomiting or nausea
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Acid reflux that does not respond to usual therapy
- Bloating
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea
- Poor growth or weight gain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Gastroparesis
- Anorexia/malnutrition
- Anemia
Management In most cases, your doctor can identify the specific proteins in foods that trigger the overproduction of eosinophils in your child. Often a stricter diet — an elemental diet — is prescribed. Your doctor then can recommend an elimination diet where the offending proteins are not consumed.
How EleCare® Can Help The protein in EleCare is supplied by amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, instead of intact or hydrolyzed protein. Children with EGID receiving free amino-acid-based formulas, instead of intact or hydrolyzed protein, generally show significant improvement in symptoms. Learn more about how EleCare helps >
For more information about EGID, check out: American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders
The Oley Foundation
EleCare can also help with these conditions: Food Allergies
Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)
Other Conditions