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Living with an eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) can be difficult, especially for kids. Rest assured that the experts at Children’s Hospital Colorado’s nationally-ranked Digestive Health Institute have the knowledge, experience and compassion to treat infants, children and teens living with these rare and lifelong conditions.
As a leader in the diagnosis, treatment and research of pediatric EGIDs, our Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program proudly provides comprehensive care for patients from across the U.S. and around the world.
What are EGIDs?
EGIDs are a group of diseases characterized by a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms including swallowing problems, vomiting, acid-reflux-like symptoms, food impaction (meaning food gets stuck in the tract), abdominal pain, diarrhea, slow growth and bleeding. Eosinophils (pronounced “e-o-sin-o-fils”) are a type of white blood cell often associated with allergies, including irritation from certain foods. When a child has an EGID, it means that eosinophils are building up in the lining of their digestive system, which can cause inflammation (swelling) and many uncomfortable symptoms. EGIDs are becoming more common, but doctors do not fully understand why.
EGIDs include a number of conditions. The type depends on where in the gastrointestinal tract the disease is centered. EGIDs include:
Eosinophilic gastritis (EG), which primarily affects the stomach
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), which affects both the stomach and the small intestine
Eosinophilic colitis (EC), which affects the large intestine
The pediatric gastroenterology team at Children’s Colorado includes experts in this field who have been treating and researching EGIDs in children for more than 25 years.
EGID services for kids
Our goal is to improve the quality of life for patients and families affected by EGIDs. We offer:
Complete evaluation for both kids who have been diagnosed and those with a suspected EGID
Diagnostic testing designed for kids, including blood work, endoscopy, allergy testing and imaging
Education and support for the patient and family
Follow-up care via phone, in-person appointments and, in some circumstances, telemedicine
The type of treatment we recommend varies on the type of EGID and its severity. Children’s Colorado offers specialized, comprehensive treatment for EGIDs including medications and recommendations and support for food elimination diets. If needed, we also provide medical procedures like interventional endoscopy and dilation.
Because EGIDs are a chronic (long-lasting) condition, it may take time to find the right treatment for your child. We work closely with families to determine the best options for medication and dietary changes, depending on the child’s needs and the family’s preferences. We consider the family to be the most important member of a child’s care team and involve you in all decisions regarding your child’s care.
Why choose Children’s Colorado to treat EGIDs in kids?
We offer the most advanced technology and treatments available and a caring and supportive environment to help kids living with EGIDs. Additionally, our Program is one of the few multidisciplinary programs in the entire country. Multidisciplinary care means that a team of experts from multiple medical specialties work together to address the full scope of your child’s health – from allergies to mental health to nutrition and beyond. Program coordinators are also available to ensure that your child’s visit is thorough and individualized.
Our pediatric specialists have advanced training and experience both in their field and in caring for kids. Having a team of these experts gives your child the best and most complete care possible. Our multidisciplinary EGID team includes:
Board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists who specialize in EGIDs
Board-certified pediatric allergists who specialize in EGIDs
Occupational and speech therapists who specialize in feeding problems associated with EGIDs
Psychologists who support patients throughout diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes for these conditions
Registered dietitians who help families ensure their children are getting enough nutrients, even on a restricted diet
Nurses with expertise in caring for children and families with EGIDs
Child life specialists who can help your child feel more comfortable in the hospital setting and support them throughout procedures
From creating individualized treatment plans for every child to inventing procedures that don't require anesthesia, our experts are committed to helping families thrive.
As an academic research institution, Children’s Colorado conducts research studies and promotes innovative techniques and technologies to improve the future for all kids with EGIDs. This means our patients have access to the very best care the medical field has to offer and treatments that may not be available elsewhere.
Innovative and advanced procedures for EGIDs
Our Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Disease Program has pioneered additional tests and procedures to improve the quality of life for kids living with EGIDs. Tests invented here include:
The transnasal endoscopy, a procedure that allows patients to receive an endoscopy through the nose and without sedation or anesthesia
The esophageal string test, a non-invasive test that allows doctors to measure eosinophil counts to both diagnose and monitor EoE
We accept referrals from across the nation. To get in touch, please call 720-777-7457.
Keeping you safe, wherever you are
We're here when you need us with the same safe, high-quality care we've always offered, even during the pandemic. Now, in many cases, you can get that care without even leaving home because we offer virtual visits across every one of our specialties.
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Provider affiliation
Children's Hospital Colorado providers
Children’s Hospital Colorado providers are faculty members of the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Our specialists are nationally ranked and globally recognized for delivering the best possible care in pediatrics.
Community providers
Some healthcare professionals listed on our website have medical privileges to practice at Children’s Hospital Colorado, but they are community providers. They schedule and bill separately for their services, and are not employees of the Hospital.