How is EGID treated?

There is no cure for EGID, but the goal of treatment is to eliminate the eosinophils in the effected area, thereby alleviating symptoms. 

Elimination diet can be followed by removing all foods that a patient has tested positive to via skin prick testing, RAST testing & patch testing. Some doctors may suggest that the patient remove the top 8 food allergens (milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, soy, wheat, fish, & shellfish). However, it could be any food or combination of foods. While allergy tests are used to guide an elimination diet, there can be false negative and false positive test results. It only takes one false negative food for the elimination diet to fail. When an elimination diet does not do enough to clear the GI tract of eosinophils (as evidenced by scope with biopsy), sometimes a stricter diet is needed.

Elemental diet consists of a medical food (elemental formula), without any proteins, either in its whole or incomplete form (pre-digested or hydrolyzed). Elemental formulas are made of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), fats, sugars, vitamins and minerals. Amino acids do not cause allergic reactions but whole or partial proteins can. Kids and adults who need elemental formula may have a difficult time drinking enough of it. To maintain proper nutrition, some require enteral feeding tubes to allow the formula to go directly into the stomach.

Medication can be used, along with dietary management, to control inflammation and suppress the eosinophils. The most common medication is steroids, which can be given topically (spray that is swallowed), orally or through a feeding tube. A physician determines the type of steroid, amount and duration of treatment based on individual needs. Side effects from steroids often limit long-term use. Without removing the cause of the symptoms via dietary restrictions, the eosinophils will return once the medication is discontinued.  The doctor will determine which, if any, medications are appropriate for each individual. Other Medications that may be prescribed are to treat the patients symptoms, like acid reflux medications.