Hi All,

Seeking others in the know.....

At a NOMAS (Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale) Conference that I attended 
last week, the speaker enclosed information, but did not have time to 
discuss Eosinophilic Esphagitis, EE for short.
This is a new (2000) and rapidly growing disease which mimics GERD in evey 
way, except that the acidity is not found on ph probe and no resolution of 
GER symptoms with commonly used medications for the same.

What they do find is an extrodinary number of eosinphils at the base of the 
esophagus, These WBC's are typically found in any localized, allergic 
response. If not recognized and properly diagnosed, the excoriation can lead 
to narrowing and stricture of the esophagus, if not properly treated. The 
research on this was found the New England Journal circa 2000.

Causes are apparently are thought to be both food and enviromental 
allergens. the most common of which being dairy, nuts, eggs, soy, wheat and 
perhaps molds and pesticides. The authors do say that diet modification can 
help reduce the severity of the response.

This is in a nutshell what I've learned so far. Just wondering how many 
cases of GERD that do not respond to meds, cessation of breastfeeding 
(sadly) or other formula changes may be for this reason. Anyone out there 
familiar with this and know a bit more about it?

LuAnn Smith RN, BSN, IBCLC
York, PA

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