Eosinophilic Esophagitis

What are Gastrointestinal Esoinophilic Diseases (EGIDs)?

EGIDs are a group of diseases that may have a wide variety of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Symptoms occur in combination with increased numbers of eosinophils in the gastrointestinal lining. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that has often been seen with allergic diseases, but which also are found in other diseases. The abundance of eosinophils can inflame or damage the GI tract.

Depending on the part of the GI tract affected, EGIDs can be called a variety of different names, such as:

• eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)

• eosinophilic gastritis (EG)

• eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE)

• eosinophilic colitis (EC)

What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?

Although EGID can affect all parts of the GI tract, esophageal esophagitis is the most common form. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. EoE causes inflammation in the esophagus, which over time can cause scarring and narrowing of the esophagus.