Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic condition that affects the esophagus—the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. In EoE, a type of white blood cell called eosinophils builds up in the esophagus. This causes inflammation, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing.
EoE is often mistaken for acid reflux or food allergies. But understanding the symptoms and what triggers flare-ups can help you take control early. In this guide, we’ll explain EoE in simple terms and how to spot the signs.
EoE is an allergic condition where the immune system overreacts to certain foods or environmental allergens. Instead of protecting your body, it causes eosinophils to gather in the lining of your esophagus. Over time, this can make swallowing painful and may even lead to scarring or narrowing of the esophagus.
EoE can affect both children and adults. It is more common in people who have asthma, allergies, eczema, or hay fever.
Symptoms vary by age and severity. If you notice the following, talk to your doctor about EoE:
EoE is closely linked to allergens. Knowing what might trigger symptoms can help with prevention:
Many people with EoE react to one or more of these. An elimination diet or allergy testing may help identify specific food triggers.
In some cases, exposure to these allergens—especially during allergy season—can worsen EoE symptoms.
Your doctor may suspect EoE based on your symptoms. Here’s how they confirm it:
There’s no cure for EoE, but symptoms can be managed. Treatment depends on what triggers your symptoms and how severe they are.
If your esophagus has narrowed, doctors may gently stretch it during endoscopy to improve swallowing.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis may be misunderstood, but with early detection and the right plan, you can manage it well. Recognizing the symptoms and triggers is the first step toward relief.
If you or someone you love struggles with swallowing or unexplained throat pain, don’t ignore it. Talk to your doctor. A simple test can make a big difference.
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.
EoE is a chronic immune condition where eosinophils build up in the esophagus, causing inflammation and difficulty swallowing.
It is usually triggered by food or environmental allergens that cause an abnormal immune response.
Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck, chest pain, and in children, feeding problems or poor growth.
Diagnosis is made through upper endoscopy and biopsy to detect eosinophils in the esophagus.
No, although symptoms may overlap, EoE is an immune condition and not caused by acid.
EoE has no cure, but it can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
Treatments include elimination diets, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), swallowed steroids, and sometimes esophageal dilation.
Common triggers are milk, wheat, soy, eggs, nuts, and seafood.
Yes, EoE can affect both children and adults. In kids, it may cause feeding difficulties or growth problems.
Through regular follow-up visits, repeat endoscopies, and adjustments to diet or medications.
