Eosinophilic disorders occur when eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, are found in above-normal amounts in various parts of the body. When the body wants to attack a substance, such as an allergy-triggering food or airborne allergen, eosinophils respond by moving into the area and releasing a variety of toxins. However, when the body produces too many eosinophils, they can cause chronic inflammation that results in tissue damage. These rare diseases are diagnosed according to the location where the levels of eosinophils are elevated.
 

• Eosinophilic esophagitis (esophagus)
   
• Eosinophilic gastritis (stomach)
   
• Eosinophilic enteritis (small intestine)
   
• Eosinophilic colitis (large intestine)
   
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome (blood and any organ)

 
The bone marrow below is packed with virtually only eosinophils. This appearance is characteristic of hypereosinophilic syndrome. 
 

 
 
Have you ever wondered what the esophagus of an individual with eosinophilic esophagitis looks like? Below is a comparison of a normal appearing esophagus to an esophagus of an individual who has eosinophilic espohagitis. Although the apppearence is dramatic, a biopsy and an understanding of the medical history of the patient is still needed to confirm the disorder.
 

Normal Appearing Esophagus

Eosinophilic Esophagitis