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Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are rare conditions that can occur when there are high levels of eosinophils in one or more parts of the digestive system. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that is involved in allergic reactions.
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Symptoms of EGIDs are wide-ranging and include:
- difficulty swallowing
- vomiting
- reflux
- abdominal pain
- poor weight gain
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Only a biopsy can distinguish an EGID from other digestive diseases. If a diagnosis is made, food and environmental allergy testing are helpful in guiding therapy.
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Treatment involves either medical or dietary therapy. There are several medications available to reverse the eosinophils in the esophagus. Alternatively, based on allergy testing, we can recommend a diet restricting specific foods that may be triggering the disease.
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