Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE, is a rare chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell, known as eosinophil, builds up in the lining of the esophagus. This can cause inflammation and damage to the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and other symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), food impaction, heartburn, and chest pain. The symptoms may also be similar to those of other esophageal disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal motility disorders.

How Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis Diagnosed?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question; diagnosing this condition can be tricky. A diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis is made by a combination of clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings, and histologic evidence of eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa.

One common test used to diagnose it is an endoscopy. This procedure entails inserting a thin, flexible tube known as an endoscope through your mouth and down your throat. This tube allows your doctor to see inside your esophagus and take samples of tissue for testing.

What Treatments and Management Options Are Available?

There are a variety of treatments and management options for eosinophilic esophagitis. These treatment options are influenced by the severity of the condition. For mild cases, dietary changes and medications like proton pump inhibitors may be all that’s needed.

For more severe cases, however, additional treatments may be necessary. This may include topical steroids, swallowed steroids, or even surgery in rare cases. In such cases, your doctor may work with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

How Can We Help?

At Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, we pride ourselves as a premier and compassionate healthcare provider that has been serving the residents of Northwest Florida and South Alabama for over 80 years. Here, we are well-equipped and skilled to treat all the symptoms of Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Please consider contacting us to schedule an appointment. To make an appointment, please call us on 850.969.2340.