Eosinophilic oesophagitis and other gastrointestinal disorders

What are eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders?

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) such as eosinophilic oesophagitis are chronic digestive system disorders in which certain food proteins trigger an overproduction of eosinophils (white blood cells that help fight certain infections) in different areas of the digestive tract.¹
Symptoms include vomiting or nausea, abdominal pain 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, malnutrition, anaemia.¹

There are a few different types of EGIDs1

Eosinophilic oesophagitis - This is the most common and difficult type of EGID to manage. Eosinophilic oesophagitis is where there is inflammation of the oesophagus due to abnormally high levels of eosinophils in that area of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, severe vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and, at times, obstruction or blockages.
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis - This condition is when eosinophils cause inflammation in the stomach and small intestine.
Eosinophilic colitis – A condition where eosinophils cause the large intestine to become inflamed.

Eosinophilic oesophagitis - This is the most common and difficult type of EGID to manage. Eosinophilic oesophagitis is where there is inflammation of the oesophagus due to abnormally high levels of eosinophils in that area of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, severe vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and, at times, obstruction or blockages.
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis - This condition is when eosinophils cause inflammation in the stomach and small intestine.
Eosinophilic colitis – A condition where eosinophils cause the large intestine to become inflamed.

How is EGID managed?1

Your child’s doctor may be able to identify specific food proteins that cause the large number of eosinophils to be present in your child. An elimination diet may be recommended. This is where certain foods are removed from the diet to identify which one’s cause problems. Often a stricter diet, such as an amino acid-based diet is prescribed. This is because unlike proteins, amino acids do not cause an immune response to occur.

How can EleCare® help children with EGIDs?

Protein is essential for your child’s growth and development.¹ The protein in EleCare® is supplied by amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, which avoids the immune response that may be occurring to the protein.

References

AusEE Inc. Eosinophilic Disorders Explained. Available at http://www.ausee.org/EGID%20Explained%20Brochure.pdf (Accessed Jun 2018).

Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. EleCare® is a Food for Special Medical Purposes. Use under medical supervision ANZ.2019.574.ELE.2 (v2.0).