580A: EGIDs

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are rare conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. EGIDs can occur in infants, children, and adults. They are often identified by irregular food-related reactions. This occurs with a high number of eosinophils in the GI tract. Eosinophils are white blood cells linked with allergic-type reactions. Their exact role is not known, but they are part of the body’s immune response. These cells release toxins that are harmful to the body. Inflammation occurs when these are active, which causes redness and swelling. Immune response is the body’s ability to recognize foreign objects that might be harmful, such as bacteria and viruses. The body then destroys them by using specialized cells, eosinophils. EGIDs can occur in any area of the GI tract and are named to match the organs affected. People with EGID’s may have more than one of these disorders.