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Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

  1. What Is It?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease that results in a build up of white blood cells (eosinophils) in the walls of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach), which causes the esophagus to become inflamed (swollen) or damaged.

  1. What are the Symptoms of EoE?
  • Nausea
  • Problems swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Chest pain
  • Heartburn
  • Weight loss or poor weight gain
  • Food impaction (food stuck in the esophagus)
  1. What Causes EoE?

EoE is an allergic reaction of your esophagus lining to different allergens, both food and environmental. Family history and genetics are large factors. Males are more likely to be affected. People with allergies and/or asthma are more likely to be affected.

  1. How is EoE diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects EoE, they will arrange an endoscopy ( a small camera is inserted into the esophagus) in order to obtain a biopsy (small sample of tissue) that will be inspected for eosinophils. Sometimes, the doctor will see rings of eosinophils (white blood cells) in the esophagus—but often it will appear normal.

  1. How is EoE treated?
  • Diet: Since the cause of EoE is related to food ingestion, many children may be treated by eliminating certain foods. Some children may be allergic to a single food while others may be allergic to many foods. Allergy tests are often unable to determine the causative foods, making it difficult to determine which food to stop eating. Referral to an allergist is often recommended.  The most common allergic foods include milk, eggs, nuts, beef, wheat, fish, shellfish, corn and soy.
  • Medication: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI), oral and topical corticosteroids, and leukotriene inhibitors are also shown to resolve EoE. These medications almost always need to be given chronically as the disease recurs when the medications are discontinued.
  • Esophageal dilatation: utilized in some cases, specifically those cases in which food impaction occurs.

Quick Links:

Eosinophilic Esophagitis FAQ
Cartoongi – Eosinophilic Esophagitis Video
http://www.gikids.org/content/5/en/eosinophilic-esophagitis
http://www.naspghan.org//files/documents/pdfs/medical-resources/eoe/A%20Guide%20to%20Eosinophilic%20Esophagitis%20in%20Children%20and%20Adults.pdf

REMINDER: This information is intended to provide general information and should not be used to base a diagnosis or treatment. Please consult the doctors about your specific condition and the approach for treatment.

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