Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a disease that results in the inflammation of the esophagus. It might be an inconvenience, but those consequences can upset the whole digestive system- in regard to swallowing and transferring food to the stomach.
Learning about the effects of EoE on digestion and swallowing will enable you to recognize the symptoms before they occur and treat them in a more efficient way. This is a guide that simplifies the effects and provides methods of protecting your gut health.
The esophagus transports food directly to your stomach without any problems to the stomach in the case of a healthy body. but in EoE the white blood cells known as eosinophils accumulate in the esophagus. Such accumulation leads to chronic inflammation, which may:
This complicates and even causes pain with time in digestion and swallowing.
This process of swallowing is complicated with the involvement of muscles and nerves. EoE disturbs this process in a number of ways:
The swollen and tight inflamed tissue in the esophagus becomes swollen and tight. This complicates passage of food particularly solid food.
Scarring may occur due to chronic inflammatory processes, and this decreases the size of the esophagus. This is known as a stricture. Food can have a sensation that it is becoming stuck.
In extreme situations, the food may get stuck in the esophagus. This is a health emergency and one in need of urgent treatment
Most EoE patients are worried about eating. This may result in slowness in eating, shunning meals or loss of weight.
EoE is a condition that dominates the esophagus, but it is the symptom that is felt throughout your digestive system:
The slow movement of food or its entrapment slows down the whole digestion process.
One may avoid some foods or whole food groups (such as dairy, wheat, or meat) in fear of a trigger, which may cause nutrient deficiencies.
Acid reflux is also experienced by some of the individuals with EoE, as an additional source of discomfort and inflammation.
The fear of food sticking or unceasing discomfort will decrease your appetite and consequently cause weight loss and exhaustion.
EoE-related dysphagia may be happening to you in case these are familiar to you
To determine the impact of EoE on your swallowing, doctors employ a number of procedures to determine the condition:
Demonstrates swelling, rings or constriction in the esophagus.
Tests positive of eosinophils (inflammatory cells).
You gulp a liquid which gives a coating to the esophagus which can be seen on X-rays.
Tests the functionality of the esophagus muscles.
You can do something to minimize symptoms and to have your body better process food:
These are the basic habits that could be taken to mitigate the risk of food impaction and discomfort.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis may have profound impact on your food digestion and swallowing. These problems can be addressed early enough to prevent complications and take more care of your esophagus.
In case food is hard or uncomfortable to consume, do not overlook the symptoms. Talk to your doctor. And with the help of the proper care plan you will be able to eat once again and to secure your digestive system.
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 leads to the inflammation of the esophagus which interferes with the normal flow of food in the mouth to the stomach.
Dysphagia indicates the inability to swallow, which is also a frequent symptom of EoE because of esophagus constriction and inflammation.
Yea, inflammation and constriction may result in food impaction, which may be a health crisis.
No EoE predominantly attacks the esophagus and does not involve the stomach or the intestines.
Chronic inflammation may also cause swelling and scarring that makes swallowing uncomfortable or painful.
Indirectly, but with inability to swallow or avoid food, poor nutrition in the long term becomes possible.
Children can be refusal to eat, slow growth or feeding disability.
Yes, especially in children. EoE may manifest itself through repeated vomiting.
Yes, without treatment EoE may lead to strictures and continued difficulty with swallowing.
By means of a personalized diet, steroids, such as PPIs or topical medications, and frequent medical visits.
