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Lurie Children's Specialties & Conditions Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases Program​​

Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases Program​​

The Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGID) Program is devoted to the comprehensive care and research of children diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), eosinophilic gastritis (EG), eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), and eosinophilic colitis (EC). Located at our Outpatient Center in Lincoln Park, the program serves the growing number of children who suffer from EoE, EG, EGE, and EC.


The Lurie Children's Difference

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
  • A pediatric allergist
  • A registered dietitian
  • A pediatric nurse practitioner
  • Registered nurses

Our team also provides state-of-the-art diagnostic testing including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopic functional luminal impedance probe (EndoFLIP), pH impedance probe, allergy blood testing and 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 required specialized elimination diets and medications.

The dietary options are guided by an experienced dietitian, and include:

  • Elemental diet (primary calorie source is hypoallergenic formula)
  • Standard or empiric elimination diet
    • 1 Food Elimination Diet (1FED) involves removal of milk protein-based foods
    • 4 Food Elimination Diet (4FED) involves removal of milk/soy/wheat/egg protein-based foods
    • 6 Food Elimination Diet (6FED) involves removal of milk/soy/wheat/egg/nut/seafood protein-based foods

The drug treatment options include proton pump inhibitors (PPI), oral ‘systemic’ steroids and swallowed ‘topical’ steroids: 

  • PPI (typically twice daily):
    • omeprazole
    • lansoprazole
    • esomeprazole
    • dexlansoprazole
    • rabeprazole
    • pantoprazole

  • Swallowed ‘topical’ steroid (typically twice daily):
    • Fluticasone inhaler
    • Viscous budesonide (mixed with splenda/honey/syrup)

  • Oral ‘systemic’ steroid
    • Prednisone

Specialists

The EGID Program is led by Joshua B. Wechsler, MD, MSCI, EGID Program Director. 

The other members of the team include:

Appointments

If you'd like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, call 1.800.543.7362 (1.800.KIDS.DOC®) or visit our Appointments page for more information.

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.

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. 

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