Caleb Hoshaw Country: USA

Content:

1. Kale Hoeshou: Battling Eosinophilic Esophagitis
2. A Hidden Danger
3. The Challenges of Elimination
4. The Pain of Sacrifice
5. The Journey to Recovery
6. Altered Life for the Hoeshous
7. Seeking a Brighter Future
8. Hope on the Horizon
9. Understanding Eosinophilic Esophagitis
10. Treatment Options

Kale Hoeshou: Battling Eosinophilic Esophagitis

A Tale of Misdiagnosis

For years, 11-year-old Kale Hoeshou's persistent vomiting was dismissed as acid reflux. However, in 2016, a biopsy revealed a different culprit: eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic immune disorder that inflames the esophagus.

A Hidden Danger

EoE caused a buildup of acid in Kale's esophagus, damaging nerve endings and impairing his ability to sense food entering his throat. This put him at risk of undetected choking.

The Challenges of Elimination

To identify Kale's EoE triggers, he embarked on an elimination diet, avoiding all foods except those from a single food group for 9-12 weeks. Biopsies taken every three months confirmed which foods caused inflammation.

The Pain of Sacrifice

Through this process, Kale discovered that beloved foods like pancakes, eggs, and French toast were destroying his esophagus. Faced with an incurable condition, he had to bid farewell to these once-cherished items.

The Journey to Recovery

Kale must permanently eliminate 8 major food groups, including wheat, milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. By meticulously avoiding these triggers, he can manage his EoE and prevent further damage.

Altered Life for the Hoeshous

EoE has profoundly impacted Kale and his family. Birthdays, school lunches, and holidays pose challenges as they navigate a narrow dietary path. Any accidental ingestion can set them back months in their elimination journey.

Seeking a Brighter Future

Currently, Kale's diet is limited to fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat. Despite the restrictions, his mother, Linda, finds comfort in knowing that he relishes the simplicity of spaghetti and tacos.

Hope on the Horizon

Kale's next food challenge involves eggs. In three months, he will face another biopsy to determine if he can return to enjoying brownies and his favorite breakfast foods. The Hoeshous remain optimistic that with careful management, Kale can reclaim some of the culinary joys he has been forced to give up.

Understanding Eosinophilic Esophagitis

EoE is an allergic condition in which white blood cells known as eosinophils accumulate in the esophagus. Foods or allergens trigger inflammation, leading to tissue damage and swallowing difficulties.

Treatment Options

Treating EoE involves a combination of dietary restrictions, steroid medications to reduce inflammation, and mechanical dilation of the esophagus. While there is no cure, proper management can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Strong-willed

Chris Clark	Chenai Boucher	Ganesh
Savita Rani	Elaine Sheaf	Jayden Fontenot