National EOS Awareness Week
National EOS Awareness Week is hosted by ausEE year. This year it is 5 – 11 August 2018. National EOS Awareness week to raise awareness for eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) in Australia.
Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders or EGIDs occur when eosinophils which is a type of white blood cell, are found in above normal amounts within the gastrointestinal tract.
EGIDs symptoms vary from one individual to the another. People often feel very sick and feel nausea, they may also feel stomach or chest pains. They can also have heartburn and it can be difficult for them to swallow food. All the below are symptoms for EGIDs
- feeding difficulty
- poor appetite
- difficulty swallowing
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- failure to thrive
- food impaction
- difficulty sleeping
Endoscopy and biopsy is the ONLY way to confirm the diagnosis of an EGID. Eosinophilic oEsophagitis is the most common EGID. Its estimated prevalence is as many as 1 per 2,000 individuals.
People living with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders often have to live with food restrictions which can be hard at times on social, physical and emotional levels.
ausEE Inc. is an Australian charity providing support and information to anyone diagnosed with or caring for someone with an Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder (EGID) including Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE). Please visit EOS Awareness website for more details.
Bellambi Medical Centre encourages you to know more about EGID. If you feel one of the symptoms or know anyone experiencing them please visit us. We welcome new patients and for your convenience are open on Sundays. You can easily create an appointment online by visiting our website.
Please also try to view this short 3 minute video on EOS Awareness Week.