Eosinophilic Esophagitis
The number of children and young adults being diagnosed with chronic allergic inflammation of the esophagus ("swallowing tube") has been rising in recent years.
The number of children and young adults being diagnosed with chronic allergic inflammation of the esophagus ("swallowing tube") has been rising in recent years. It seems to be due to both increased awareness as well as the increase in prevalence of the disease. If you suffer from symptoms of heartburns, chest pains associated with food ingestion or feeling of food "getting stuck in your throat", you want to seek help of our gastrointestinal allergy experts to have evaluation for food allergies and to rule out eosinophilic esophagitis.
Symptoms
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE or EoE) and Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis are complex, chronic allergic inflammatory disorders involving esophagus and/or stomach. The hallmark of the inflammation is the presence of eosinophils, otherwise rare inflammatory white blood cells.
Symptoms may vary significantly, but frequently include chest pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or even food getting stuck in the esophagus requiring emergency removal by endoscopy.
Key Points:
- •Chest pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing
- •Vomiting, or even food getting stuck in the esophagus
- •Symptoms may vary significantly
Diagnosis
The symptoms and even the inflammation in GI tract may be very similar to that found in acid reflux and/or food allergies. Patients with EE have higher prevalence of both environmental and food allergies and the latter may play a role in the development of the disease.
Thus, comprehensive allergy evaluation by well-trained allergist is critical for the successful treatment of the disease. Dr. Bocek is an expert in the diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis and its treatment with a biologic drug Dupixent.
Key Points:
- •Upper endoscopy with esophageal biopsies
- •Histological examination for eosinophil count
- •Allergy testing for food and environmental triggers
Treatment
Treatment for EoE involves a combination of dietary modifications, medications, and in some cases, endoscopic procedures to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Treatment plans are personalized based on symptom severity, identified triggers, and individual response to different therapies.
Key Points:
- •Dupixent (Dupilumab) biologic therapy
- •Elimination diets (six-food elimination diet)
- •Topical corticosteroids (swallowed)
Prevention
Prevention strategies focus on avoiding identified food triggers, maintaining treatment compliance, and regular monitoring to detect early signs of inflammation.
Prevention strategies are most effective when implemented consistently and tailored to your specific triggers and treatment response.
Key Points:
- •Strict adherence to elimination diets
- •Regular follow-up with gastroenterologist and allergist
- •Monitoring for new food sensitivities
Frequently Asked Questions
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