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Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
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Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

What Are Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGIDs)?

EGIDs are a group of diseases that affect different parts of the GI tract.

They develop when eosinophils (white blood cells associated with allergies) build up in the lining of the digestive tract. Increased numbers of these cells can cause swelling and other symptoms based on the part of the GI tract they affect.

Living with an EGID can be hard.

The doctors at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Center for Pediatric Eosinophilic GI Disorders have knowledge and expertise in EGIDs.

We provide complete care for infants, children, and teenagers living with these lifelong conditions.

EGIDs We Treat at UPMC Children's Hospital

We diagnose and treat:

  • Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), which affects the esophagus. This is the swallowing tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This is the most common EGID.
  • Eosinophilic gastritis (EG), which affects only the stomach.
  • Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), which affects both the stomach and small intestine.
  • Eosinophilic colitis (EC), which affects only the large intestine.

Onsite EGID services at UPMC Children's include:

  • Thorough assessments and appropriate diagnostic testing.
  • Tailored treatment plans. This may include medicine or an elimination diet. It may also include techniques such as endoscopic dilation.
  • Help making appointments with other specialists on our team.
  • Education and ongoing support for you and your child.

Your Child's EGID Care Team

UPMC Children's team of experts who will care for your child includes:

  • Gastroenterologists, allergists, and immunologists who specialize in EGIDs.
  • Pathologists with training in looking at tissue samples after an endoscopic biopsy.
  • Dietitians who design tailored EGID meal plans to meet your child's needs.
  • Speech and occupational therapists who help manage feeding problems that may arise.
  • Mental health experts to support your child and family with the challenges of living with an EGID.

The type of treatment your child receives depends on the type of EGID they have and how severe it is. Your care team will work with you on a custom care plan that meets the needs of you and your child.

Our goal is to improve the quality of life for kids living with EGID and their loved ones.

Contact the Center for Pediatric Eosinophilic GI Disorders

We welcome all referrals. Or you can schedule your child's appointment directly.

To learn more or make an appointment with an EGID expert at UPMC Children's, call 1-412-692-5180. If you'd like to see an allergist at your child's first visit, let us know and we'll arrange it.