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Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic condition marked by esophageal inflammation and painful swallowing. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers expert diagnosis, personalized diet plans, medications, and procedures to help you manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Allergies to foods such as dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs
Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, and molds
Personal or family history of allergic conditions (asthma, eczema)
Living in high-pollen or high-allergen areas (for example, Houston)
Signs and Symptoms
Food sticking sensation in the throat or chest (adults)
Painful or difficult swallowing (dysphagia)
Chest pain or upper abdominal discomfort
Persistent heartburn or reflux-like symptoms
Nausea, poor appetite, or avoidance of certain foods
Slow eating pace or refusal of solid foods (children)
Unexplained weight loss or failure to thrive
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your symptoms—such as food sticking, epigastric (upper stomach) pain, heartburn—along with your diet, known allergies, and overall medical history.
Endoscopy and Biopsy
During an upper endoscopy, Dr. Nguyen inspects the esophageal lining and takes small tissue samples. Pathology confirms the presence of eosinophils and rules out other causes of inflammation.
Allergy Testing
Skin-prick or blood (IgE) tests help identify food or environmental allergens that may be driving your EoE symptoms.
Barium Swallow Study
An X-ray series after you drink a barium solution lets Dr. Nguyen see rings, strictures, or narrowing in the esophagus that can explain swallowing difficulties and discomfort.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for eosinophilic esophagitis.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Elimination diet to remove common triggers (dairy, wheat, soy, eggs) and systematic reintroduction
Personalized guidance on meal timing and portion control to minimize reflux
Recommendations for elevating the head of bed and avoiding late-night eating
Ongoing support to ensure nutritional adequacy and patient compliance
2. Medications
Proton-pump inhibitors to reduce acid exposure and soothe the esophagus
Topical (swallowed) corticosteroids to calm eosinophilic inflammation
Biologic agents for long-term control in refractory or severe cases
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Esophageal dilation for strictures or rings to restore normal swallowing
Regular endoscopic monitoring with biopsy to track treatment response
Access to clinical trials of emerging therapies for EoE
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for EoE?
The medical code is K20.0.
How is EoE treated?
Treatment often includes diet changes, acid reducers, swallowed steroids, and dilation if needed.
Can kids grow out of EoE?
Some children improve with age, but many need long-term care to manage symptoms.
Is EoE the same as reflux?
No. Acid reflux is caused by stomach acid. EoE is an allergic condition with different causes.
How soon will I feel better?
Many patients feel better within four to eight weeks after starting treatment.
Is the biopsy painful?
No. The biopsy is done during an endoscopy while you are sedated. You won't feel it.
