“Hello, Mrs. Lane. We have the results from your son’s tests. He has eosinophilic esophagitis and needs to eliminate all dairy from his diet. We’ll send out some paperwork and schedule another endoscopy in three months.” click
After years of searching for the cause of my son’s frequent, violent vomiting, we finally had an answer: a puzzling condition that was completely unfamiliar to me.
It all began when my son was just three months old; he would projectile vomit with alarming frequency. I vividly remember sitting in the doctor’s office, holding a fussy baby, trying to articulate his symptoms while feeling utterly exhausted and reeking of vomit. Armed with adult-sized towels for the inevitable next episode, I was dismissed by a patronizing nurse who insisted, “Babies spit up; it’s normal.” But moments later, my son erupted, prompting the nurse to hurriedly call the doctor. This led us to our first diagnosis—reflux—after undergoing GI imaging. For the next three years, we pleaded with various doctors, undergoing numerous tests, only to be told it was either constipation or reflux, and that he would eventually outgrow it.
Going out in public became a source of anxiety. I lost track of how many times my son had thrown up in restaurants, leaving us to endure the judgmental glares of fellow diners who seemed appalled that we had dared to take our clearly unwell child out.
Finally, at three and a half years old, my son underwent his first endoscopy and colonoscopy. If you’ve ever had to do a colon cleanse prep, you know it’s no walk in the park, especially for a child. But this procedure ultimately led us to our diagnosis: eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE. We finally had a name to attach to our struggles, but this was just the beginning of a much larger journey.
The challenge with eosinophilic disorders is that while you may have a diagnosis, finding an effective treatment can take years of trial and error. Within nine months, I’ve learned more about EoE than I ever thought possible, thanks in large part to a Facebook group of other parents navigating the same challenges.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic reaction to certain foods that affects the esophagus. When a trigger food—or an environmental allergen—is consumed, eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, accumulate in the esophagus, causing long-term damage and symptoms like choking, coughing, and vomiting. While some medications can help manage symptoms, the only definitive treatment is through food elimination. Many parents have put their kids on elimination diets due to food allergies, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and other conditions.
The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis among children is on the rise. In 1995, only 5.3 out of 100,000 children were diagnosed; by 2015, that number had increased to 19.2. This trend isn’t isolated to EoE; food allergies are also becoming more common. Is it increased awareness, or perhaps the chemicals in our food? That’s a discussion for another day.
Parents whose children have food restrictions know the exhausting routine of reading labels, searching for allergen information before trying new restaurants, and ensuring that medications like epinephrine auto-injectors are always on hand. I’ve learned the hard way that even a seemingly benign lotion can lead to painful consequences if not checked thoroughly.
For those who don’t have a child with food allergies, there are ways you can help. Recognize that allergies are not universal; some children, like mine, may have multiple types of allergies—my son has both EoE and traditional IgE (Immunoglobulin E) allergies. Communicate with your child’s teacher about any allergies or food restrictions in the classroom. Provide safe, clearly labeled store-bought foods for parties, and be considerate when responding to requests for ingredient information. While it’s not necessary for anyone to cater to your child’s needs exclusively, I appreciate being able to bring the same allergy-friendly options for my son to enjoy. Remember, allergies and food restrictions are serious matters, and a child may react to a specific food on one day and then suddenly need to avoid it the next. Lastly, no parent should feel pressured to explain their child’s allergies or dietary restrictions.
No parent desires this journey for their child. I’ve had my share of meltdowns in the aisles of grocery stores and have faced judgment while inquiring about safe snacks at public events. Despite the challenges, my son is fortunate to have a strong support system of family and friends who ensure his safety and inclusion, and for that, I am immensely grateful. Ultimately, that kind of support is what every child deserves.
For more insights on family life and navigating challenges, check out this post on our blog. If you’re looking for ways to enhance fertility, consider visiting this expert resource. For a comprehensive understanding of infertility and related topics, the Women’s Health website is an excellent resource.
Summary
After years of searching for answers, my son was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition that causes severe allergic reactions in the esophagus. This journey has been challenging, highlighting the importance of understanding food allergies and providing support for affected families. Increased awareness is essential as the number of cases rises, and it’s crucial for those without allergies to foster understanding and inclusivity for affected children.
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