Bill Text: NJ AR49 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates May 12-18, 2013, as "Eosinophilic Esophagitis Awareness Week." *
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2013-04-30 - Filed with Secretary of State [AR49 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-AR49-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman DANIEL R. BENSON
District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)
SYNOPSIS
Designates May 13-19, 2012, as "Eosinophilic Esophagitis Awareness Week."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution designating May 13 through May 19, 2012, as "Eosinophilic Esophagitis Awareness Week."
Whereas, Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE), which is an allergic inflammatory disease characterized by elevated eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach), is a newly recognized disorder that has been increasingly diagnosed in children and adults over the past decade; and this increase is thought to reflect an increase in diagnosis as well as a true increase in EE cases; and
Whereas, The medical community is responding to this increased awareness of EE, and new scientific information is emerging to guide management of this disorder, which often persists with ongoing or recurrent symptoms; and
Whereas, EE is characterized by a large number of eosinophils and inflammation in the esophagus; these eosinophils persist, despite treatment with acid blocking medicines, and cause injury to the tissue in the esophagus; and
Whereas, Persons with EE commonly have other allergic diseases such as rhinitis, asthma, and eczema; and
Whereas, EE affects people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, although males are more commonly affected than females; and in certain families, there may be a genetic tendency towards EE; and
Whereas, EE can be driven by food allergy or intolerance; and most patients who eliminate food proteins from their diet, by drinking only an amino-acid based formula, show improvement; and
Whereas, EE is a relatively uncommon disorder that physicians may not encounter often; and the diagnosis of EE is often delayed, sometimes for years, because of a lack of awareness of this and related disorders; and
Whereas, Although physicians may have minor disagreements concerning specific criteria, the diagnosis of EE can be confirmed with biopsies in the majority of cases; however, in rare situations, it may be difficult to distinguish EE from gastroesophageal reflux disease; and
Whereas, Symptoms of EE vary from one person to the next and may differ depending on age, but common symptoms include: reflux that does not respond to usual therapy in the form of medicines that stop acid production in the stomach; dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing; food impactions, whereby food becomes lodged in the esophagus; nausea and vomiting; failure to thrive, as exhibited by poor growth, malnutrition, or weight loss; abdominal or chest pain; feeding refusal or intolerance or poor appetite; and difficulty sleeping; and
Whereas, Treatment of eosinophilic disorders varies based on the location of the eosinophils, severity of symptoms, and other medical problems that the patient may have; in most cases, there is no cure for the disorder, but dietary measures and medications can significantly improve symptoms and control the underlying eosinophilic disease; and
Whereas, The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders, along with other patient advocacy groups, has been engaged with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, to develop the first-ever guidelines for health care providers on diagnosing and treating food allergies, which specifically includes EE; and these guidelines will provide information to a wide variety of health care professionals about how to diagnose and manage food allergies and treat food allergy reactions; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The week of May 13 through May 19, 2012, is designated "Eosinophilic Esophagitis Awareness Week" in the State of New Jersey in order to raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of this disorder and encourage public understanding of the disorder and support for those persons who are coping with it.
2. The Governor is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates the week of May 13 through May 19, 2012, as "Eosinophilic Esophagitis Awareness Week" in order to raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of this disorder and encourage public understanding of the disorder and support for those persons who are coping with it.
