Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

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 esophagitis (EoE), which primarily affects the esophagus, and is the most common EGID
• 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
• Assistance coordinating appointments for families traveling out of state to our hospital in Aurora, Colorado
• Kid- and teen-friendly-care

EGID treatment for children and teens

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.

Learn more about our approach to EoE treatment.

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

Learn more about the importance of multidisciplinary care for kids and how we provide time-saving, convenient care in one visit through our Multidisciplinary Clinic.