A USER QUESTION FROM YAHOO! ANSWERS: Our 6 month old has ongoing feeding/reflux issues and has even been taken off the reflux meds as he is showing intolerance to them also (as well as every other low allergy food we have tried – pumpkin, potato, kumara, pear etc). Our gastro paediatrician has referred us back to the immunologist and mentioned eosinophilic esophagitis as a possibility. just wondering if anyone had a child with this?? i have googled it and he fits most of the symptom descriptions, except despite his low milk and food intake, he is a good weight.
Any experiences are very welcome! Thanks

What is eosinophilic esophagitis?

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition in which the wall of the esophagus becomes filled with large numbers of eosinophils.

The esophagus is the muscular tube that propels swallowed food from the mouth into the stomach. Esophagitis refers to inflammation of the esophagus that has several causes. The most common cause of esophagitis is acid reflux which most frequently results in heartburn, though acid reflux also can cause ulcers on the inner lining of the esophagus. Other less common causes of esophagitis include viruses (such as herpes simplex), fungi (such as Candida), medications that get stuck in the esophagus (such as the antibiotic, tetracycline), and radiation (such as for treatment of lung cancer). Doctors believe that eosinophilic esophagitis is a type of esophagitis that is caused by allergy just like asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis even though the exact substance that is causing the allergy is not known. The hallmark of eosinophilic esophagitis is the presence of large numbers of eosinophils in the tissue just beneath the inner lining of the esophagus.

Eosinophils are white blood cells (leukocytes) manufactured in the bone marrow and are one of many types of cells that actively promote inflammation. They are particularly active in the type of inflammation caused by allergic reactions. Thus, large number of eosinophils can accumulate in tissues such as the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, and sometimes in the blood when individuals are exposed to an allergen. The allergen(s) that causes eosinophilic esophagitis is not known. It is not even known whether the allergen is inhaled or ingested. Eosinophilic esophagitis is more common among individuals with other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis affects both children and adults. For unknown reasons, men are more commonly affected than women, and it is most commonly found among young boys and men.

This article primarily deals with the diagnosis and management of swallowing problems (dysphagia), the most common complication in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis.

http://www.medicinenet.com/eosinophilic_esophagitis/article.htm
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Dietary Therapy Eosinophilic esophagitis info from the Mayo Clinic

Eosinophilic esophagitis may be caused by a food allergy, and many patients can be treated successfully by diet modification. Physicians may perform a skin test or prescribe an elimination diet to test for allergies. In the latter, foods that are common allergens are eliminated from the diet, including dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, and fish. Foods are then gradually added back to the diet, watching for reactions. More strict forms of dietary therapy, such as an elemental diet (removing all proteins and using a feeding tube), are available. Dietary therapy seems to be most successful in children.
Medications

Steroids lessen the inflammation and inhibit the buildup of white blood cells in the esophagus. Topical steroids (fluticasone, budesonide) are swallowed and coat the esophagus. Fluticasone has been the most studied topical steroid, and it was originally evaluated at Mayo Clinic. A budesonide gel preparation was developed at Mayo Clinic specifically for EE. Several lab trials have shown the effectiveness of this topical steroid, with 95 percent of patients responding, and remission of symptoms in 75 percent of patients over four to six weeks. This type of medication is thought to have little effect on other body systems. Long-term, topical steroids used in this manner may cause toxicity, although this has not been seen in EE. A significant side effect of topical steroids is oral candidiasis (yeast infection of the mouth), which can be minimized by rinsing the mouth with water after taking the medication. Symptoms of EE frequently return after topical steroid therapy is discontinued. Adults can usually be treated more successfully with medications than with dietary therapy. Regular follow-up with endoscopies is recommended for many patients.
Investigational Treatments

Patients may have access to investigational treatments as part of Mayo research on long-term ways to manage the disease. Asthma medications (leukotriene receptor antagonists), acid-blocking medications, and other medications are being studied for their effectiveness in treating the disease.
Esophageal Dilation

The esophagus may be strictured (narrowed) in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis. An apparatus like a balloon can be inserted through an endoscope to dilate (widen) the esophagus. This treatment can be helpful in some patients, but it should be performed with caution, as it has risks and complications of bleeding and puncturing the esophagus.
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What is eosinophilic esophagitis?

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition in which the wall of the esophagus becomes filled with large numbers of eosinophils.

The esophagus is the muscular tube that propels swallowed food from the mouth into the stomach. Esophagitis refers to inflammation of the esophagus that has several causes. The most common cause of esophagitis is acid reflux which most frequently results in heartburn, though acid reflux also can cause ulcers on the inner lining of the esophagus. Other less common causes of esophagitis include viruses (such as herpes simplex), fungi (such as Candida), medications that get stuck in the esophagus (such as the antibiotic, tetracycline), and radiation (such as for treatment of lung cancer). Doctors believe that eosinophilic esophagitis is a type of esophagitis that is caused by allergy just like asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis even though the exact substance that is causing the allergy is not known. The hallmark of eosinophilic esophagitis is the presence of large numbers of eosinophils in the tissue just beneath the inner lining of the esophagus.

Eosinophils are white blood cells (leukocytes) manufactured in the bone marrow and are one of many types of cells that actively promote inflammation. They are particularly active in the type of inflammation caused by allergic reactions. Thus, large number of eosinophils can accumulate in tissues such as the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, and sometimes in the blood when individuals are exposed to an allergen. The allergen(s) that causes eosinophilic esophagitis is not known. It is not even known whether the allergen is inhaled or ingested. Eosinophilic esophagitis is more common among individuals with other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.
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