The Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGID) Program is devoted to the comprehensive care and research of children diagnosed with:
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Eosinophilic gastritis (EoG)
- Eosinophilic duodenitis (EoD)
- Eosinophilic enteritis (EoN)
- Eosinophilic colitis (EoC)
Located at our Outpatient Center in Lincoln Park, the program serves the growing number of children who suffer from EoE, EG, EGE, and EC.
Why Choose Lurie Children's?
We have a dedicated, multidisciplinary team made up of specialists from many different areas. Combining several areas of expertise into every diagnosis ensures that our patients have the most thorough and best care possible. The team includes:
- Pediatric gastroenterologists
- Pediatric allergists
- Pediatric psychologists
- Registered dietitians
- A pediatric nurse practitioner
- Registered nurses
- Social workers
Our team also provides state-of-the-art diagnostic testing including:
- Upper endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopic functional luminal impedance probe (EndoFLIP)
- Trans-nasal endoscopy (TNE)
- pH impedance probe
- Allergy blood testing
- Skin prick testing
To treat esophageal rings and strictures, we offer endoscopic balloon dilation. The treatments offered are individualized to the specific needs of the patients.
What to Expect
Treatment for EGIDs usually includes a special diet and medicine to help manage symptoms. These conditions happen when the body reacts in an unusual way to certain foods, causing inflammation in the digestive system.
A dietitian will help create a meal plan that removes foods that may be causing problems. Medicines like acid blockers, swallowed steroids, and other drugs may also be used to reduce inflammation and help patients feel better. The treatment plan is different for each person and depends on their age, symptoms, and how their body responds to treatment.
Dietary Therapy
Guided by a dietitian, dietary options include:
- Elemental Diet: A hypoallergenic formula is the main calorie source.
- Elimination Diets:
- 1FED: Removes milk protein.
- 4FED: Removes milk, soy, wheat, and egg proteins.
- 6FED: Removes milk, soy, wheat, egg, nut, and seafood proteins.
Medication Options
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Taken twice daily (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole).
- Swallowed Topical Steroids: Taken twice daily (e.g., fluticasone inhaler, viscous budesonide).
- Oral Systemic Steroids: Prednisone.
- Biologics: Dupixent.
Our Specialists
The EGID Program is led by Joshua B. Wechsler, MD, MSCI, EGID Program Director.
The other members of the team include:
- Barry K. Wershil, MD - Gastroenterologist
- Natalie Hoffmann, MD - Gastroenterologist
- Lauren Potthoff, PhD - Pediatric Psychologist
- Maria Manuel-Rubio, MSN, APRN-NP, CPNP - Nurse practitioner
- Jennifer Minges, RN - Nurse Clinician
- Joyce Chesniak, RN - Nurse clinician
- Roberto Peraza, MD - Clinical Research Coordinator
- Monique Walker - Clinic Scheduler
The EGID Program also includes allergists from Lurie Children's Division of Allergy & Immunology.
Make an Appointment
We offer easy online scheduling for your child's GI needs.
EGID Program Research
The Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGID) Program has an active and growing research component. In addition to participation in clinical trials, the members of EGID team collaborate with other institutions to advance basic and clinical research in this area.
Resources & Support
For information on advocacy groups involved with EoE please visit:
EGID Program News & Stories
Gamechanger: New Way to Improve Outcomes in Kids with Eosinophilic Esophagitis
What Parents Should Know about the Formula Shortage
Our pediatric experts weigh in on what parents and care givers should know about the recent formula shortage.
Four-Food Elimination Diet Can Treat Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children
Related Specialties
Tests & Treatments
Philanthropy
Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. Lurie Children's relies on philanthropic funding to enhance its programs, services and research for children. To learn more, please e-mail the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation at foundation@luriechildrens.org or call 312.227.7500.