Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic medical procedure that is used to assess the interior surfaces of an organ by inserting a tube into the body. The instrument may have a rigid or flexible tube and not only provide an image for visual inspection and photography, but also enable taking biopsies and retrieval of foreign objects. Endoscopy is the vehicle for minimally invasive surgery.

Many endoscopic procedures are considered to be relatively painless and, at worst, associated with mild discomfort; for example, in esophagogastroduodenoscopy, most patients tolerate the procedure with only topical anaesthesia of the oropharynx using lignocaine spray.[1] Complications are not common (only 5% of all operations)[citation needed] but can include perforation of the organ under inspection with the endoscope or biopsy instrument. If that occurs open surgery may be required to repair the injury.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition in which the wall of the esophagus becomes filled with large numbers of eosinophils.

Eosinophils are white blood cells (leukocytes) manufactured in the bone marrow and are one of many types of cells that actively promote inflammation. They are particularly active in the type of inflammation caused by allergic reactions. Thus, large number of eosinophils can accumulate in tissues such as the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, and sometimes in the blood when individuals are exposed to an allergen. The allergen(s) that causes eosinophilic esophagitis is not known. It is not even known whether the allergen is inhaled or ingested. Eosinophilic esophagitis is more common among individuals with other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.

It all sounds so clinical, but what it translates to is misery for my little boy. I look at the picture from his bad hair day, and he looks chubby. Right now he is gaunt, his eyes are dark and sunken in, his skin is pasty white, and he is just not my sweet & happy guy. He has been throwing up even more than usual, and it is much harder on him because it is a thick sticky mucus that causes him to choke. He had aspiration pneumonia the week before Spring Break. Tomorrow's test just can't be here fast enough. I know there is a possibility that it will lead to surgery, but at this point I just want my baby to feel better.

I will post results of the test soon. Hopefully, tomorrow.