Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) results in an inflamed oesophagus, the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Most cases are seen in people with other allergies such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma. The frequency of eosinophilic oesophagitis appears to be increasing. The reasons are unclear, but it is known that allergies of all types have become more common. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) was first described in children but also occurs in adults. The condition is not well understood, but food allergy may play a significant role.The treatment may consist of removal of known or suspected triggers, medication to suppress the immune response, but in severe cases it may be necessary to stretch the esophagus with an endoscopy procedure.

Symptoms include difficulty swallowing – dysphagia, food impaction, chest pain that is often centrally located and does not respond to antacids, persistent heartburn, upper abdominal pain, no response to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) medication, backflow of undigested food. In addition, young children with eosinophilic esophagitis may present with feeding difficulties and poor weight gain.