Eosinophilic oesophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus.

Eosinophilic oesophagitis

Incidence

EoE is rare but more people are now getting diagnosed with it. Some people who think that they have reflux (GERD) may actually have EoE.

What causes eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)?

While the jury is still out, most think that is an immune system/allergic reaction to foods or to substances in your environment, such as dust mites, animal dander, pollen, and molds. Certain genes may also play a role in EoE.

Who is at risk for eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE)?

EoE can affect anyone, but it is more common in people who

Eosinophilic esophagitis

• Are male
• Are white
• Have other allergic diseases, such as hay fever, eczema, asthma and food allergies
• Have family members with EoE

What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)?

The most common symptoms of EoE can depend on your age.

In infants and toddlers:

• Feeding problems
• Vomiting
• Poor weight gain and growth
• Reflux that does not get better with medicines

In older children:

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Trouble swallowing, especially with solid foods
• Reflux that does not get better with medicines
• Poor appetite

In adults:

• Trouble swallowing, especially with solid foods
• Food getting stuck in the esophagus
• Reflux that does not get better with medicines
• Heartburn
• Chest pain

How is eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) diagnosed?

To diagnose EoE, your doctor will

• History and physical examination.
• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy.
• Biopsy of the esophagus
• Testing for specific allergies.

What are the treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)?

There is no cure for EoE. Treatments can manage your symptoms and prevent further damage. The two main types of treatments are medicines and diet.

Medicines used to treat EoE are

• Steroids, which can help control inflammation.
• Acid suppressors such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which may help with reflux symptoms and decrease inflammation.

Dietary changes for EoE include

• Elimination diet. If you are on an elimination diet, you stop eating and drinking certain foods and beverages for several weeks.
• Elemental diet. With this diet, you stop eating and drinking all proteins.