Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a persistent condition, which has inflamed esophagus. Although the cure is not found yet, many individuals have healthy lives that are managed through the symptoms. The trick is a custom-made strategy that consists of the food, medication, and regular check-ups.
This guide describes the best ways of managing EoE. Through proper management, it is possible to minimize flare-ups, avoid complications, and have a superior quality of life.
EoE may deteriorate with time not treated. Constant inflammation may result in:
Management can decrease inflammation and esophageal protecting and prevent the long-term damage.
One of the major triggers of EoE is food. Symptom improvement can be made by changing what you eat.
Elimination Diet
This diet eliminates typical allergens during a period of weeks. These usually include:
Reintroduction of foods is done gradually in order to determine which foods cause symptoms. This must be done under the guidance of a doctor.
Elemental Diet
It is a non-allergenic liquid-based diet that has amino acid formulas. It is quite useful and more difficult to track and is applied in severe cases.
Targeted Elimination
In case specific sensitivities are detected during allergy testing, then you may have to avoid some foods only.
Adjust with a dietitian or gastroenterologist to identify the best one.
Drugs may decrease inflammation and symptomatic relievers.
They are usually prescribed to treat reflux, however they also inhibit esophageal inflammation in most EOE patients.
These are not inhaled but swallowed to cover the esophagus to soothe inflammation. Common ones include:
They can also be taken over the long run and are safe provided that they are used under the doctor’s supervision and prevent harm to the esophagus.
Specific immunotherapy to certain sections of the immune system is under investigation. They are used in patients who have incapacitated EoE.
Doctors can also do esophageal dilation when scarring or constriction has already been experienced.
This is a non-invasive and painless operation that involves a stretching of the constriction of the esophageal tract. It enhances the ease of swallowing and decreases food impaction.
Note: Dilation is aimed at the constriction, but not the inflammation. It is best used in combination with other treatments.
The habits that you develop on a daily basis can go a long way in determining the effectiveness of EoE management in you.
EoE children might experience problems with feeding or growth. It is imperative to have parental support, nutrition advice, and frequent visits by pediatric specialists.
It is important to visit your gastroenterologist regularly to monitor the progress and modify treatment. You may need:
The complications in your care plan can be avoided by making early modifications.
Treatment of EoE is not universal. The combination of the correct diet, medications, and regular check-ups is the most effective approach. Having a supportive care team, you will be able to decrease the symptoms, prevent the complications and retake the control over your health.
Wait no more, but get on with it, should you be living with EoE--or think you may be. Discuss with your physician and develop a strategy that is effective to you.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The most effective approach is the combination of a change of the diet, medications, and frequent follow-ups with a gastroenterologist.
It is a temporary eating plan that eliminates the usual allergens in food mechanisms such as milk, wheat, soy, eggs, nuts, and seafood to determine the triggers of symptoms.
Yes, drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors and topical steroids alleviate inflammation and control the symptoms.
They are swallowed (not inhaled) steroids such as budesonide or fluticasone which coats the esophagus in order to decrease inflammation.
EoE has no cure, although it can be successfully treated using continuous treatment and lifestyle changes.
It is applied to stretch the esophagus in case it has been narrowed which is enhanced to swallow without curing inflammation.
As often as suggested, such as 612 months or every 12 months, it is suggested to have regular follow-ups to control inflammation and change treatment.
Yes, EoE is a disease that can be treated using diet, pediatric treatment, nutritional support, and follow-up.
Biologic treatment is under investigation and can be applied in case of severe or in cases resistant to treatment under the supervision of specialists.
Slow eating, avoiding trigger foods, taking water after meals and keeping a food diary can be of great help.
