Gene Linked to Food Allergy-Related Disorder – Scientists have linked a region of a human chromosome with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a recently recognized disorder that can cause difficulty eating and is associated with allergies to certain foods. They’ve also identified a gene that’s likely involved in the disorder.

EoE is characterized by inflammation and accumulation of a specific type of immune cell, called an eosinophil, in the esophagus. Symptoms of EoE vary with age. In young children, a major symptom is spitting up food. In older children and adults, the inflammation and swelling can cause food to become stuck in the esophagus. Symptoms may improve with a special liquid formula diet or a diet that lacks 6 highly allergenic foods: milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanut and seafood.

EoE differs from more common food allergies, which can have serious consequences as well. Little is known about what causes EoE, but the disease runs in families, suggesting that specific genes may be involved. Source: http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/march2010/03152010allergy.htm