After years of uncertainty, we finally discovered the reason behind my son’s frequent vomiting: eosinophilic esophagitis. My heart sank as I listened to the doctor on the phone. “Your son has eosinophilic esophagitis, and he’ll need to eliminate all dairy from his diet. We’ll send you some paperwork and schedule another endoscopy in three months.” *click*
From the time he was just three months old, my son experienced severe projectile vomiting. I can vividly recall standing in the doctor’s office, cradling a fussy baby while trying to explain his symptoms. I felt exhausted and overwhelmed, often carrying adult-sized towels to prepare for his next episode. When a dismissive nurse told me that “babies spit up, that’s normal,” I was frustrated. Moments later, my son vomited across the room, prompting the doctor to rush in and order GI imaging. The initial diagnosis? Reflux. For the next three years, we sought answers, undergoing numerous tests only to be told it was simply constipation or reflux, and that he would eventually outgrow it.
Venturing out in public became a source of anxiety. I lost track of how many times my son vomited in restaurants, only to be met with judgmental stares for bringing a clearly unwell child out. At the age of three and a half, he finally underwent an endoscopy and colonoscopy. Anyone who has experienced colon cleanse prep knows it’s no picnic, especially for a child. But this led us to our long-awaited diagnosis: eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE. We finally had a name for his condition, but our journey was just beginning.
Understanding Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophilic disorders can be complex, and while knowing the diagnosis is a relief, treatment often involves a long process of trial and error. In the nine months since, I have become well-versed in this condition, largely thanks to a supportive Facebook group of parents facing similar challenges. Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic reaction in the esophagus triggered by certain foods. When these allergens are present, eosinophils—a type of white blood cell—accumulate, leading to symptoms like choking, coughing, and vomiting. Although medications can help alleviate some symptoms, the most effective treatment is through dietary elimination. Many parents have placed their children on elimination diets due to food allergies, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and other related disorders.
The Rising Incidence of EoE
The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis in children is on the rise. In 1995, there were 5.3 diagnoses per 100,000 children; by 2015, that number had increased to 19.2. The surge in food allergies parallels this trend. Perhaps there’s greater awareness of these disorders now, or maybe it’s the chemicals in our food—this is a topic for another time.
Parents of children with food restrictions know all too well the challenges of reading labels, searching for allergen information at new restaurants, and ensuring that medications like epi-pens are always on hand. I learned the hard way that even using a new lotion without checking the label can lead to painful consequences for my son.
How You Can Help
For those who aren’t parents of children with food allergies, there are ways you can help. Recognize that not all allergies are alike; some children have multiple types, like my son, who has both EoE and traditional IgE allergies. Inquire with your child’s teacher about any food allergies or restrictions among classmates. Providing safe, store-bought food with clear ingredient labels is a great way to ensure inclusivity. When attending parties, be open to sharing information about the food being served; while it’s unreasonable to expect a parent to cater to every child’s needs, I appreciate being able to bring allergy-friendly alternatives for my son. It’s vital to understand that allergies can change rapidly, and no parent owes anyone an explanation for their child’s dietary needs.
No parent wishes for this experience for their child. I have had my fair share of breakdowns in stores and have been treated like a “Gwyneth Paltrow wannabe” while inquiring about safe snacks at different venues. Through it all, my son has been incredibly fortunate to have a strong support network of family and friends who ensure his safety and inclusion.
Conclusion
In the end, that’s what every child deserves. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, consider exploring this resource and this one for valuable insights. You can also refer to this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at Wikipedia.
In summary, eosinophilic esophagitis is a complex condition that requires careful management and support. Parents navigating this journey should seek understanding and resources to help their children thrive.