Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) is a group of chronic, inflammatory conditions that occur when a type of white blood cell called an eosinophil builds up in one or more parts of the digestive tract. This buildup happens without another known cause such as infection, cancer, or another disease, and leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and a variety of digestive symptoms.
When a person has a high number of eosinophils in their gastrointestinal tract and other possible causes have been ruled out, they may be diagnosed with an EGID.
Types of EGIDs
EGIDs are defined by where in the digestive system the eosinophilic inflammation occurs. Each condition can cause different symptoms depending on which area of the digestive tract is involved. For a deeper dive about symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment, click the links below.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): affects the esophagus.
- Eosinophilic Gastritis (EoG): affects the stomach
- Eosinophilic Enteritis (EoN): affects the small intestine or multiple segments of the gastrointestinal tract
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- Eosinophilic Duodenitis (EoD): affects the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine beyond the stomach
- Eosinophilic Jejunitis (EoJ): affects the jejunum, the middle portion of the small intestine
- Eosinophilic Ileitis (EoI): affects the ileum, the final part of the small intestine before the colon
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- Eosinophilic Colitis (EoC): affects the large intestine or colon.
Understanding Older Terminology: “Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis (EGE)”
In the past, many doctors used the term “eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE)” to describe eosinophilic inflammation in the stomach and/or small intestine. Recent medical research and international consensus, however, have updated the way these conditions are described. Today, the term “eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID)” is used as the umbrella category for these disorders, while more specific names—like eosinophilic gastritis (EoG) or eosinophilic enteritis (EoN)—are used to identify exactly which part of the digestive tract is affected.
Resources
- Joint ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN Guidelines on Childhood Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders beyond Eosinophilic Esophagitis
- EGID Brochure
- APFED Specialist Finder
- Patient Registries
- APFED’s Online Support Community
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