What Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
Eo E is an allergic and chronic esophageal inflammatory disease. It is an illness that comes up as the daily lining of esophagus is stuffed up with white blood cells known as eosinophiles that cause pain, swelling and also difficulty in swallowing. EoE can manifest itself in children as well as adults and falls under the ICD-10 of K20.0.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Food allergies (milk, wheat, soy, eggs, nuts, seafood)
- Environmental allergens include pets, dirt and dust.
- Asthma/eczema Family/personal history.
- Herseditary allergies.
- Increased in the males particularly under the age of 40.
Signs and Symptoms
- Eating (dysphagia) is difficult.
- Something seems to be lodged there in the throat.
- Achief either above the abdomen or the chest.
- Constant heartburn that is no longer responding to the common medication.
- Fine details, child feeding problems.
How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
Dr. Rishi uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
Assess symptoms, history of treatment, family history of allergies/asthma and risks.
Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy
Incidentally introduces small camera to examine the tissues to identify inflammation or rings and samples of small size tissues to determine the number of eosinophils.
Allergy Testing
Tests the skin or blood to establish food and environmental stimulus.
Additional Studies (as Needed)
- To exclude reflux disease, pH homeostasis.
- Swallowing/Esophageal motility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of eosinophilic esophagitis?
It is a persistent disease in which the eosinophils (type of white blood cell) are deposited in the esophagus causing an inflammatory response, and difficulty in swallowing.
Etiology of eosinophilic esophagitis?
It can be caused by allergies to food (dairy, wheat, eggs) and environmental allergens, and hyperresponsivity of the esophagus.
What is the diagnosis of Dr. Chadha?
He does heme endoscopy and esophageal biopsies to eliminate other causes that cause symptoms.
Which are the typical symptoms of EoE?
These symptoms were swallows, food impaction, chest pains, heartburn and in pediatrics feeding problems and mal-growth.
What is eosinophilic esophagitis of ICD -10?
The code of diagnosis and medical record K20.0.
What is the treatment of the eosinophilic esophagitis?
This can be addressed using diet, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), allergy treatment, and swallowed steroid topicals.
Do dietary modifications enhance EoE?
Yes. A removal of the diets which include the frequently occurring trigger foods can lead to a dramatic reduction in symptoms and inflammation.
Are swallowed steroids safe?
Yes. Dr. Chadha applies topical corticosteroids such as budesonide or fluticasone which are minimally systemic when applied properly.
Would I require follow ups?
Yes. Periodical endoscopies are used to monitor the response of the treatment and allow making changes in the plan of care in case it is necessary.
What do you do to get an appointment with Dr. Chadha?
Visit Houston and refer to GastroDoxs to get professional assistance based on the illness.