My son has struggled with feeding issues since he was born. Arriving slightly early at 36 weeks with his twin brother, he exhibited signs of distress while feeding—arching his back, turning his head at odd angles, pulling his legs up in pain, and exhibiting fussiness during sleep. He frequently spit up large amounts of formula and would wake up crying, clearly in discomfort. After discussing these symptoms with our pediatrician, we were told he had reflux and prescribed Prevacid. The difference in his sleep and behavior was immediate while he was on the medication.
I decided to wean him off Prevacid around seven months old, but his appetite remained strong, and he often vomited after consuming pureed or solid foods. By the time my son turned one and a half, the vomiting escalated to multiple episodes a day. I attributed this to teething and reflux, but after numerous visits to our pediatrician, who suggested over-the-counter Prevacid, I felt it was ineffective—possibly even worsening his symptoms. Eventually, my son became a very picky eater, shifting from a varied diet to only a few preferred pureed foods.
As he approached two, I realized that something was seriously amiss. He often grimaced while eating and requested water to help swallow his food. I sought opinions from various doctors, with some suggesting constipation or sensory aversions. A functional medicine specialist diagnosed him with multiple food intolerances, prompting me to eliminate gluten and dairy from his diet. This led to noticeable improvements in his mood, behavior, and sleep. However, an allergist later confirmed that he had a mild grass allergy but no food allergies based on patch testing.
Despite these changes, I felt there was still an underlying issue. A friend advised me to revisit a gastroenterologist. After explaining my son’s symptoms and sharing a video of him coughing and choking while drinking a milkshake, the doctor expressed concern and recommended an endoscopy. I sensed he had a solid understanding of my son’s condition.
During the nine months leading up to this point, I was overwhelmed with stress. My son displayed alarming symptoms, including persistent stomach pain, frequent vomiting, and a strong aversion to food and drinks. He often chewed food only to spit it out. I began connecting his reactions to certain ingredients, especially corn, gluten, and dairy, and noted that he would occasionally develop a croupy cough when eating. The situation worsened to the point where he had severe reflux even with plain water.
Visibly, my son appeared unwell. He had dark circles under his eyes, was pale, and suffered from a constant diaper rash. It was heartbreaking to see him lose weight; he dropped four pounds, and his 3T shorts became too loose. His irritability and emotional volatility escalated, and I became desperate for answers.
During meal times, I found myself holding my breath, waiting for signs of discomfort. I documented his reactions, suspecting a sensory processing disorder as he displayed unusual behavior following meals. I noticed that he would often make strange noises or act aggressively after consuming milk, and he seemed unable to control his reactions to his discomfort.
The day before his endoscopy filled me with dread. What if the tests didn’t reveal anything? On the morning of the procedure, my son was surprisingly calm. When we finally spoke with the doctor, he gave us a reassuring sign. The results indicated a normal duodenum and stomach, but there were esophageal mucosal changes suggestive of eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE). The doctor explained that my son’s esophagus showed several small white spots, leading him to suspect EOE.
This diagnosis was somewhat of a relief. EOE is often likened to “asthma of the gut,” where eosinophils, the white blood cells typically associated with allergic reactions, mistakenly attack food in the esophagus, leading to inflammation. My son does not experience typical allergic reactions, like hives or anaphylaxis, but he has an increasing number of foods that cause internal damage, impacting his digestion, sleep, and daily functioning.
I encourage all parents to trust their instincts if they feel something is off with their child. It’s crucial to advocate for their health. I faced skepticism from doctors who dismissed my concerns as common childhood issues, and family members who assured me he would outgrow his symptoms. Undiagnosed EOE can lead to severe complications, including strictures in the esophagus.
Patients with eosinophilic disorders are essentially allergic to food and environmental allergens. The proteins in certain foods can cause an accumulation of eosinophils in the digestive tract, leading to serious health issues like failure to thrive, uncontrollable vomiting, and severe pain.
Now, as my son nears his fourth birthday, he remains in remission, thanks to a combination of acid reflux medication and a strict elimination diet for both GERD and EOE. His diet excludes eggs, dairy, soy, and most grains, among other things, and his “safe” foods are limited to rice, applesauce, and a few others. This restricted diet means he relies on a prescription formula to meet his nutritional needs. He also faces allergies to grass, pollen, and several medications. Despite the challenges, he continues to show resilience in the face of this daunting condition.
There is currently no cure for EOE, and it is a lifelong diagnosis. However, we refuse to let it define our lives. Although EOE is known for diminishing quality of life, we strive daily to ensure my son enjoys a fulfilling and normal existence.
For parents seeking more information on related topics, consider reading about home insemination options at Make a Mom or explore expert advice on pregnancy at Healthline.
In summary, recognizing that feeding issues can signal more serious health problems is crucial. Advocate strongly for your child and seek the right medical guidance to uncover underlying conditions.
Keyphrase: Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children
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