Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a medical condition that causes swallowing difficulties, chest pains, and abdominal pain. This allergic condition primarily affects the esophagus, causing inflammation and contracting abnormalities. Moreover, it was once considered a manifestation of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Albeit EoE is a
rare health condition, and you should never take it lightly. Recent
studies say that EoE cases have increased. One in 1500 to 2000 people is affected by the disease. Also, it may lead to a chronic illness that could affect your quality of life. Moreover, children with EoE may have stunted growth and difficulty gaining weight.
This blog will discuss EoE's meaning, signs, symptoms, and treatment. If you suspect you have EoE, this article is perfect for you.
What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
What is EoE? Medical experts consider eosinophilic esophagitis a chronic allergic (autoimmune) condition of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube where food travels from the mouth to the stomach. With EoE, your esophagus typically narrows due to inflammation and develops abscesses and rings. The symptoms occur when your body's natural defenses produce white blood cells to combat allergens.
What are the Causes of Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
The factors that typically point to EoE disease causes are allergic reactions to certain types of food and environmental allergens. Below is a compilation of the common EoE causes.
- Food Allergies
EoE conditions in food are challenging to determine because of the delayed reaction. But the good news is allergists have many ways to get to the root cause. Once the allergy testing provides the results, your allergist will remove the allergy food from your diet. The results lead to a significant reduction of symptoms. The foods that typically trigger EoE are eggs, wheat, soy, and dairy products.
- Environmental Allergens
Like other allergic reactions, you may be more at risk of experiencing EoE during allergy season. Environmental allergens usually include pollen, dust mites, animal danders, and pollution.
Signs and Symptoms of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
The common signs and symptoms of EoE depend on your age. Refer to the detailed list below.
EoE symptoms in infants and toddlers:
- Reflux (does not improve with meds)
- Feeding problems
- Vomiting
- Poor weight gain and growth
EoE symptoms in older children:
- Vomiting
- Reflux (does not improve with meds)
- Abdominal pain
- Trouble swallowing (solid foods)
- Poor appetite
EoE symptoms in adults:
- Reflux (does not improve with meds)
- Food getting stuck in the esophagus
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Trouble swallowing (solid foods)
Eosinophilic Esophagitis Diagnosis
We've compiled the steps of the standard EoE diagnosis methods. Read the section below for a better understanding.
- Symptoms and Medical History Interview
Your doctor will begin by asking you about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then, you will be asked if other family members have EoE or are experiencing similar symptoms.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy
The purpose of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is to look for rings, white spots, and inflammation. Moreover, this procedure will help your doctor determine if the narrowing is evident in your esophagus. These signs are typical indications that you may have EoE.
- Biopsy
The role of a biopsy in EoE testing is to verify the condition. Your doctor takes small tissues from your esophagus to check for eosinophil levels. Eosinophils are white blood cells that are often present during an allergic reaction.
EoE Risk Factors
Anyone can experience EoE regardless of gender, race, age, or social status. However, certain conditions put you more at risk. Refer to the list below to know more.
- If you are male and caucasian.
- If you have other allergy conditions like eczema, asthma, food allergies, and hay fever.
- Other family members have EoE.
Treatment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis treatments are a combination of medications and diet modifications. However, there is no cure for EoE. The purpose of the treatment for EoE is damage control and reduction. The goal is to manage the symptoms to prevent possible complications.
Medications
Steroids
Steroids are one of the most common drugs to treat EoE. Inflammation often occurs in EoE. That is why allergists typically prescribe steroids to reduce swelling. With reduced symptoms in the esophagus, you can swallow foods and drink water easier.
Acid Suppressants
Acid suppressants help reduce the adverse effects of reflux in EoE. Reflux is one of the most common symptoms of EoE, regardless of your age group. Controlling acid buildup reduces inflammation in your esophagus.
Dietary Modifications
Since food allergies may lead to EoE, dietary changes play a significant role in managing the disease. Below are some examples.
- Empiric Elimination Diet
The empiric elimination diet approach typically begins after allergy testing. Once your allergist identifies the food that triggers EoE, they will eliminate them from your diet. Moreover, these foods are introduced gradually one at a time to pinpoint the exact food that causes your allergic reaction.
- Elemental Diet
The elemental diet has a stricter approach. The diet begins by eliminating all possible allergens. Your source of nutrition will come from special amino acid formulas. Moreover, your allergist may allow you to have one or two foods less likely to trigger the reaction. This treatment approach is ideal for children with multiple food allergies and when the conventional treatment methods proved ineffective.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis Associated Complications
If left untreated, EoE can lead to health complications affecting your quality of life. Below is a list of examples.
- Esophageal stricture
- Food impaction
- Perforation
- Malnutrition
Some of the coexisting conditions associated with EoE (Eosinophilic esophagitis and Autoimmune disorders)
- Connective tissue diseases
- Celiac disease
- Crohn's disease
NOTE: Work with your doctor to prevent complications of EoE, especially in cases where you may have trouble swallowing food or drinking water. These complications could lead to weight loss, vomiting, or chronic stomach pain.
Safe and Efficient Eosinophilic Esophagitis Management Begins Here
We know the challenges of dealing with eosinophilic esophagitis. That is why we are here for you.
Our board-certified allergists begin with accurate allergy testing to provide the proper treatment plan. We use evidence-based methods to help treat and manage EoE efficiently.
Don't wait for complications. Get the right treatment for EoE today.
Book an appointment here.
