Eosinophilic Esophagitis Clinic at Dell Children’s
The Eosinophilic Esophagitis clinic at Dell Children’s Medical Center, part of Ascension Seton, brings together a multispecialty team of board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists, allergy and immunology specialists, registered dietitians, and pediatric psychologists. Together, we bring multidisciplinary expertise to diagnose, treat and manage the care of children who have eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE is often complex and requires a collaborative team-based approach. At Dell Children’s EoE clinic, your child will benefit from having a coordinated team of specialists under one roof to create a comprehensive care plan for your child – including diet therapy, medications, allergy testing, feeding therapy, endoscopy, nutrition support and mental health resources.
What is EoE?
EoE is chronic allergic inflammation of the esophagus in which there are increased numbers of eosinophils (white blood cells) in the lining of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube leading from the mouth to the stomach. EoE is closely linked with allergic conditions, and children often have food or environmental allergies, asthma or eczema.
Symptoms of EoE vary with age and are different in each child. The most common symptoms include:
- Chronic stomach pain
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe reflux
- Trouble swallowing
- Choking or food getting stuck while eating
- Chest pain
In addition to EoE, our care team treats other types of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease, including:
- Eosinophilic gastritis (EoG)
- Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EoN)
- Eosinophilic colitis (EoC)
Diagnostic testing and procedures for pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis
At your child’s first visit, we listen to your concerns and discuss your child’s health history. Then, your child will have a physical exam. Your child’s doctors may also recommend diagnostic tests, such as upper endoscopy, biopsy, blood tests, allergy tests, and pulmonary function testing. Your doctor explains your child’s diagnosis and procedures, answers your questions, and works with you to create a personalized care plan. Many care plans include a combination of diet changes, medications and management of co-existing allergic and gastrointestinal conditions. You will meet with a pediatric dietitian to review your child’s diet and feeding plan to help ensure their nutritional needs are met. Because EoE can cause your child stress and fears around eating, we also offer pediatric mental health and feeding therapy support.
More information on the condition eosinophilic esophagitis can be found here.