Pathophysiology Repeort on Eosinophilic Esophagitis Essay -- Disease,

A relatively new diagnosis in the medical field is Eosinophilc Esophagitis. This disease has emerged all around the world and became a more common diagnosis beginning in the 2000’s. According to doctors at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 1-4 in 10,000 people live with this disease (Cincinnati, 2012, p. 1). Food allergies often accompany this disease, which may be why it is becoming better known. The pathophysiology behind Eosinophilic Esophagitis is extensive, and includes the parts of the body that are effected, normal function, symptoms and cause of symptoms, diagnosis, physiology, and treatment. Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a disease that affects the esophagus. Other parts of the gastrointestinal tract can also be affected but if that is the case, the disease is renamed according to the area affected. Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE) causes the esophagus to be narrower than usual, known as esophageal stricture. This is due to the presence of eosinophils. Eosinophils are white blood cells, produced in bone marrow, that are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. They normally function by killing off microorganisms, such as parasites. In EE, certain stimuli can cause increased production and buildup of excess eosinophils. Since the esophagus narrows due to this disease, dysphagia and food impaction commonly occur. Eosinophils can also cause thinning of the esophageal lining. This makes the lining more susceptible to being punctured by contents traveling down the esophagus. The esophagus is also affected by the disease because it is linked to acid reflex. Reflux can cause break down and damage to the esophageal lining. Finally, Peristalsis or the involuntary movement of food through the esop... ...4) Eosinophilic esophagitis. The New England Journal of Medicinc. Retrieved From http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200408263510924#t=article Nurko, S., & Furuta, T. G. (2006). Eosinophilic esophagitis. Retrieved From http://www.nature.com/gimo/contents/pt1/full/gimo49.html The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (2008). Eosinophilic associated gastrointestinal disorders: About EGID. Richmond, Texas: The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders. [Brochure] The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (2008). Eosinophilic esophagitis: About EE. Richmond, Texas: The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders. [Brochure] The International Gastrointestinal Eosinophil Researchers. A guide to eosinophilic esophagitis in children and adults. Flourtown, PA: Children’s Digestive Health & Nutrition Foundation. [Brochure]