Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease which causes the esophagus-the passage connecting your mouth to your stomach. Eosinophils, which are a form of white blood cell, accumulate in the esophagus in EoE. This brings inflammation, pains and difficulty in swallowing.
EoE may be confused with acid reflux and allergies to foods. However, the knowledge of the symptoms and the causes of exacerbations may enable you to take the initiative at an early stage. In this guide, we will clarify an explanation of EoE in common language, and the detection of the signs.
EoE is a type of allergy, in which the immune system overreacts to some foods or other environmental allergens. Rather than saving your body, it makes eosinophils accumulate in the lining of your esophagus. This may cause pain during swallowing with time and can even result to the scarring or constriction of the esophagus.
EoE may attack both adults and children. It is more likely to be found in individuals with asthma, allergies, eczema or hay fever.
The symptoms change depending on age and severity. Could you tell your doctor about EoE, especially when you notice the following:
The close connection of EoE and allergens exists. The following can help to prevent the symptoms:
A large number of the EoE respondents respond to one or more of these. A food elimination diet or allergy test can be used to determine a particular food trigger.
Some of them also cause an increase in the symptoms of EoE in response to exposure to these allergens, particularly in allergy season.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor can be on the alert that you have EoE. Here's how they confirm it:
EoE has no known cure; however, the symptoms are treatable. The therapy will be determined by the trigger of your symptoms and the severity of these symptoms.
In case your esophagus is narrow and is obstructed, your doctor can use endoscopy to open it and better your swallowing.
The Eosinophilic Esophagitis can be misinterpreted, and with proper diagnosis and proper planning, you are in a position to manage it quite well. The identification of the symptoms and triggers is the initial step towards relief.
When you or a loved one have a problem with swallowing or feel sore in the throat without any apparent cause, then do not ignore it. Talk to your doctor. A basic test can be of great 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 long-term immune disorder in which eosinophils accumulate in the esophagus and inflame the esophagus leading to pain in swallowing.
It is normally precipitated by food or environmental allergens that result in an abnormal body reaction.
Usually, it is characterized by difficulty in swallowing, food obstruction, chest pain, and in children, poor growth or feeding difficulties.
It is diagnosed by using upper endoscopy and biopsy to identify the presence of eosinophils in the esophagus.
No, despite possible overlapping of symptoms, EoE is an immune disorder, but not due to acid.
EoE is not curable, and can be treated through appropriate medication and change of lifestyle.
Some of the treatments that involve elimination diets, proton pump inhibitors(PPIs), swallowed steroids and in some cases esophageal dilation.
Milk, wheat, soy, eggs, nuts, and seafood are generally the trigger.
Yes, it is a fact that EoE affects children as well. In children it can lead to feeding or growth disorders.
By means of frequent follow-up visits, repeating endoscopies and changing diet or medications.
