Add to MyPages

This page will be saved to Cincinnati Children's MyPages, a collection of your favorite places. You can view, organize, or delete your favorites at any time.

 (optional)

E-mail this page

(All fields required)


Please enter a valid e-mail.

Please enter your name.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Share this on:

Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders

Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders

 
 

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Here at the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED) we hear many great questions about eosinophilic disorders from patients and families. Below are a few answers to commonly asked questions. We also provide questions to ask your treating physician in your community.

     

  • Questions from Families and Patients

    Show All

    + Is it typical for this disorder to come so suddenly? Could it have been virally induced? Could it also leave suddenly, or more realistically, could she grow out of it?

    Eosinophil-associated gastrointestinal disorder (EGID) can present acutely in association with a viral appearing illness. While the start of symptoms may be sudden, it is likely that the intestinal inflammation was present well before the onset of symptoms. The new insult (i.e., the viral illness) may promote the severity of the symptoms because of the underlying problem. However, it is important to note that EGID is a chronic disorder and usually presents gradually rather than acutely; it also does not go away quickly. However, it does respond rather rapidly to effective treatment. In your child, the effective treatment appears to be an alteration in the diet. A true remission is only determined by repeat endoscopy and biopsy. Because of the unusual acute presentation in your child, an experienced physician should carefully scrutinize the biopsy slides; one must be sure that the problem is truly EGID and not another process.

    + Is the lifespan of someone with this disorder shortened?

    The long-term consequences of EGID are currently being studied. However, most patients with EGID do not have a life-threatening disease and can live a long life.

    + Does someone with this disorder always have elevated eosinophils?

    The eosinophils are sometimes elevated in the blood (<half of the patients) and their levels generally correlate with the severity of tissue disease. So, the eosinophil levels in the blood often return to normal.

    + Is this disorder specific to particular foods?

    A variety of foods can be associated with EGID. Unlike classic anaphylaxis, there appears to be a broader range of foods identified as culprits. This area is under active research investigation. 

    + Can eosinophilic esophagitis be seasonal?

    Eosinophilic esophagitis does have seasonal variation in some patients, typically with worse symptoms in the spring and summer.

  • Questions to Ask Your Physician and Treatment Team

    Show All

    + Is this a primary disorder or is it secondary to something else?

    Eosinophilic esophagitis is divided into primary or secondary. Primary eosinophilic esophagitis is further subclassified into idiopathic (unknown cause), atopic (allergic) or familial. Secondary eosinophilic esophagitis could be due to a more generalized eosinophilic disorder, such as eosinophilic gastroenteritis or hypereosinophilic syndrome or due to noneosinophilic disorders such as drug reactions, infections, gastroesophageal reflux, connective tissue disorders, vasculitis and leiomyomatosis.

    + Where were the eosinophils found?

    It is important to know if the increased eosinophils were found only in the esophagus, in the stomach, in the duodenum or in all of them. If the esophagus is affected, it is also essential to know if it was the lower part only, the upper part only or both. This information will help in the decision making (Is it eosinophilic esophagitis? Is it gastroesophageal reflux? Is it eosinophilic gastroenteritis?).

    + How many eosinophils where found?

    More than 15 eosinophils per high power field (in the microscope) in esophageal biopsies are suggestive of primary eosinophilic esophagitis while less than that are associated with food allergies or gastroesophageal reflux.

    + Are there any food allergies?

    A good percentage of patients with eosinophilic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract have food allergies. This area needs to be thoroughly evaluated by a doctor who is specialized in allergy and immunology.

    + What other conditions could cause the results in the biopsy?

    Many disorders are associated with increased numbers in eosinophils in the gut. A complete history and physical exam plus associated tests should narrow the diagnosis.


 

  • Psychological Effects of Eosinophilic Disorders

    The Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED) also provides answers to common questions about the Psychological Effects of Eosinophilic Disorders. 

    Read more.
 
Please give to Cincinnati Children's.
US-News-Honor-Roll-FooterBest Places to Work Logo

© 1999-2011 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026 | 1-513-636-4200 | 1-800-344-2462 | TTY:1-513-636-4900