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Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are a group of rare diseases that affect different parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
EGIDs form when eosinophils (white blood cells linked to allergies) build up in the lining of the GI tract. Increased numbers of these cells can cause swelling and other symptoms based on the affected part of the GI tract.
UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's team of EGID experts provides groundbreaking treatments to help children manage these lifelong conditions. Our goal is to help your child live a healthy life.
Call the Center for Pediatric Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders at UPMC Children's Hospital at 412-692-5180.
All infants and children diagnosed with an EGID can benefit from treatment, but it's crucial for those with severe symptoms.
While treatments won't cure this condition, they can help manage symptoms and prevent scar tissue formation and build-up.
The goals of EGID treatments are to improve your child's quality of life and let them eat, grow, and stay healthy.
Our EGID specialists use advanced tests to thoroughly assess suspected EGIDs.
Because EGIDs are complex, chronic conditions, we take time to explore the best treatment options for your child and family.
Often, children benefit from a mix of therapies.
Many children improve when they cut out potential trigger foods such as:
A registered dietitian with expertise in EGIDs will help pinpoint foods to remove from your child's diet. They'll make sure your child has plenty of healthy, nutritious food choices, and work with you on how to replace lost nutrients.
You'll also work closely with your child's GI doctor, allergist, and occupational therapy feeding specialist, if needed.
They'll check on your child to make sure their EGID symptoms improve and adjust treatment if necessary.
Your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of different drugs before starting them. They'll also check for any potential side effects your child may have.
Doctors perform this procedure during an endoscopy that can open blockages of built-up scar tissue in the esophagus and the intestine.
Your child and family may also benefit from:
Treatments for EGIDs can greatly improve your child's quality of life and overall health.
Diet changes and lifestyle treatments — like speech or occupational therapy — may take some time to get used to. But these are often highly effective and have little to no risks or downside.
Some medications to treat EGIDs have a small risk of adverse reactions. Your child's doctor will closely watch how your child reacts to their medicine and make changes if needed.
To properly treat EGID, you must have a correct diagnosis first.
Two common procedures to help confirm an EGID diagnosis are endoscopy and colonoscopy.
Both tubes have cameras that allow your doctor to see the GI tract. They also have forceps (pinchers) to collect a tiny tissue sample.
Both procedures have slight risks of:
The benefits of a clear diagnosis mostly outweigh any slight risk from these tests.
Based on the type of EGID your doctor suspects, they may perform one or both tests to confirm a diagnosis. They may also perform them to check how well a treatment is working.
Testing and finding the right treatments for EGIDs can take time and visiting doctors can be stressful for kids.
The EGID team at UPMC Children's cares for your child with warmth and compassion. We go the extra mile to make sure your child feels comfortable and supported throughout all procedures and treatments.
Our Center for Pediatric Eosinophilic GI Disorders uses a family and patient-centered team approach to provide quality care.
With this approach, a team of experts from many medical specialties works together to address all aspects of your child's health.
Here's what to expect when you come to us for care.
EGID treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. A pediatric gastroenterologist and, if needed, an allergist will see your child.
They may suggest your child have:
Often the scariest parts of the process are when the doctor checks your child's digestive tract and collects tissue samples to biopsy. But these steps are vital because they can confirm an EGID and help your child's GI doctor design a treatment plan.
Our team will make your child feel as relaxed as possible.
Your doctor will give you any special instructions for these tests. They'll also tell you where to go and when to arrive.
In most cases, blood or imaging tests won't require your child to do anything special before.
For an endoscopy, though, your child shouldn't eat for at least six hours before the test.
Your child's GI doctor will review all test results with you.
If the biopsy results confirm an EGID, our experts will work with your family to decide the best treatment options.
We'll tailor your child's treatment based on their unique needs and your family's wishes.
Because EGIDs are chronic, your child will need ongoing treatment.
Your child's GI doctor will continue to see them to make sure:
Depending on how your child responds to treatment, your doctor might suggest more tests. They may also make changes to your child's diet or medicine.
We welcome referrals from doctors in Southwest Pa. and beyond. Parents can also schedule their child's appointment directly.
To learn more or make an appointment with a pediatric EGID expert, call 1-412-692-5180.
The center's main location is at UPMC Children's Campus in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood.
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
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