The EGID is the acronyms of EOSinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders a disease that manifests when eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, are found in higher levels within the gastrointestinal tract.
Eosinophilic are important to defend our body against parasitic infections, and at the same time are involved in allergies. In some people, the EOSinophilic accumulate in the intestine, generally to attack foods creating an allergic response and causing inflammation.
The cases of people who presents this disorder has increased in the past decade, according to National Center of Biotechnology and Information (NCBI).
There are differents types of EGID, the most common is the Eosinophilic oEsophagitis (EoE) caused by an allergic reaction to some foods and/or aero-allergies. Currently, there are 1 to 4 cases per every 10.000 people and it increases every year.
Usually the individuals who have this disease present other allergenic illnesses, like asthma.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of any of this disorder are different for each person but the most common are: eating disorders, avoidance of some foods, nausea, persistent vomiting, abdominal or chest pain, migraines and some people can experience legs, ankles and feet pain.
How can I diagnose them?
According to the ausEE Inc. charity the only way to diagnostic and confirm this type of disease is through endoscopy and biopsy.
Unfortunately, there are no cures for this disease and one of the most common treatment options that patients follow is an elimination diet, which can mean avoiding the top 8 common allergenic foods.
EOS Awareness Campaign
To educate about these strange diseases and the foods that cause them, the ausEE Inc. charity created the EOS Awareness Week, celebrated from August 5th to 11th this year. This organization launched the Top 8 Challenge Day, on August 8th every year, with this event they challenge people to avoid their favorites foods for one day, these specific meals contain the allergenic foods.
At the same time, the non-profit raises funds with this campaign and the donations are destined to medical research programs about eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders and help them to provide support and information to all the people affected for this diseases.
FundaHigado America joined this cause by sharing tips and information, with the help of our character “Higadito”.
You can see his tips about eating habits on our instagram stories. If you want to know more about it, check our highlighted stories and stay tuned to our upcoming articles.
