Spreading word of esophageal disease

This year marks the fifth year of National Eosinophil Awareness Week. This is especially important because our son was diagnosed with EOE in December 2010 when he was 9 months old.

EOE or Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a condition in which an abnormally high number of eosinophils — a type of white blood cells — is found in the esophagus. It is typically caused by food allergies. There is an allergic response to food that causes eosinophilic cells to grow and cause pain and discomfort. Eosinophils are meant to attack parasites, but the body of a child with EOE mistakes food for a parasite. As a result, the buildup of eosinophils causes numerous problems.

Currently our son is on a strict liquid diet of an amino acid-based formula. He will be scoped soon to see if this diet has allowed his esophagus to heal. If so, he will be reintroduced to foods one “safe” food at a time. But to determine his “safe” foods he will have to undergo allergy tests and more scopes. So a child or adult for that matter may test OK for a food but after a scope find out that the “safe” food has not passed. In our case, because no two are alike, we hope to control the increase of cells and inflammation. It is important to keep an eye on his esophagus to prevent tissue damage as this is not repairable.

As you can imagine all of this has been overwhelming. With the help of two organizations, CURED and APFED, my husband and I have had tremendous support and have learned a lot.

I am sending this letter to continue to educate not just my family and friends but our community as well.

Karrie Jo Nork

Lake in the Hills