May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Acid Reflux Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Fifteen month old
Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Fifteen month old |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I am the mother of a fifteen month old little girl who has been diagnosed with GERD since birth and has 5 severe food allergies (milk, eggs, peanuts, garlic, and shellfish). She has been on Prevacid since 3 months old and has not responded well to treatment. She has been on the specialized formula Elecare for about 10 months. I was recently diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis and am concerned that some of her symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of EE, not GERD. Her symptoms are: - Failure to Thrive (Less than 1st percentile in weight and height on growth charts) - General weight loss - Vomiting - Sensory Issues (refusal to eat solid or semi-solid foods) What my question is that since I have been diagnosed, is there a heredity aspect to EE and if so, do my daughter's symptoms appear to be evident of a EE diagnosis? Thank you very much. We've been searching for answers for a long time. Dear Lauren: I understand your concern about your recent diagnosis and possible connection with your child’s condition. Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a recently recognized but expanding disorder characterized by antigen-driven accumulation of eosinophils in the esophagus. These eosinophils are increased in allergic diseases like asthma or seasonal allergies but are not normally found in the healthy esophagus. In this condition, Eosinophils may accumulate in high numbers in the esophagus as a reaction to foods, airborne allergens, or acid reflux. When this occurs, they can inflame or injure the esophageal tissue, similar to an allergic reaction. This condition is still under study, but surely there is a possibility of inheritance. The symptoms in children are similar to the ones found on GERD and include heartburn, chest pain, failure to thrive, vomiting, or diarrhea. Also seasonal, food allergies and asthma might be present. I agree with you that your condition might be related to your daughter’s as well and you should suggest your pediatrician that possibility to be ruled out. I wish your daughter a prompt recovery. |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 September 2010 ) |
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