Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE for short, is a disorder that affects people of all ages and may involve allergic reactions to foods.  Recently, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of new cases in the United States and Europe.

EoE gets its name from the eosinophil, a type of white blood cell that typically indicates allergic inflammation.  Eosinophils are usually absent in the esophagus, but can be present in small numbers if a patient has gastroesophageal reflux disease.  However, the presence of many eosinophils suggests EoE.  EoE is strongly associated with seasonal allergies, food allergies, asthma, and eczema.

Symptoms

The symptoms of EoE vary depending on the age of the patient.  Adults with EoE most often present with a feeling of food “getting stuck” or chest pain.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of EoE requires endoscopy with a biopsy of the esophagus.  The disorder is often suspected based on a characteristic appearance of a narrow esopohagus or multiple ridges of tissue within the esophagus.

Treatment

A medication typically used to treat asthma can be swallowed instead of inhaled to reduce symptoms.  Avoidance of foods to which one is allergic may also provide benefit.  Injectable and intravenous medications are currently being evaluated in EoE patients. 

More Information

For more information, talk to your gastroenterologist or allergist.  Online, more information can be found at the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders at www.apfed.org.