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HERO: What is eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)?
Animation: Show the outline of a body and zoom in on the esophagus.
Show white spots on the esophagus and show that it is narrowing.
Held: Triggered by food and environmental factors
Symbols: milk, wheat, egg, soy, fish, nuts, pollen
Arrows point towards the esophagus
Eosinophilic esophagitis, known as EoE, is a chronic immune disorder in which eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, accumulate in the esophagus.
It can occur as an immune reaction to foods or allergens such as pollen, mold, dust or animal dander.
Animation: Show a person going through their daily routine and stopping while eating to indicate that they are experiencing pain in the esophagus area
EoE can be painful and cause inflammation that damages the esophagus over time. This can affect your daily life.
HELD: Physical symptoms of EoE
Popup list:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Food gets stuck
- Nausea and pain
- Poor appetite
- Sleep disorders
Show a person in bed who has difficulty falling asleep, is restless, moves around in bed, and sits somewhat uncomfortably
Food can get stuck in your throat and you may experience difficulty swallowing, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, chest pain, reflux that doesn’t improve with medication, and trouble sleeping due to discomfort.
HELD: Emotional symptoms of EoE
Popup list:
- Fear while eating
- Fear of suffocation
- Avoiding social situations
Show a person rejecting plans and staying at home
EoE can also impact your mental health. You may have a fear of eating, fear of choking, and feeling restricted by following a strict diet – all of which can make it difficult for you to eat out, socialize, and travel.
Show a person sitting on a couch next to others at game night, keeping to themselves and turning away as a bowl of chips is passed around
EoE can also impact self-esteem and relationships. You may avoid spending time with other people and fear that no one will understand your condition.
Show a person looking tired at work
Your symptoms may even affect your performance at work or school due to fatigue and stress.
HELD: Getting a diagnosis is key
Show the person sitting in the doctor’s office
Displays an endoscopy icon or animation
Show a patient talking to an allergist who gives them a list of foods they should avoid
Show medication icons
Held: Stick with treatment
Show a person ordering food from a menu and a circle with a line through certain foods, such as wheat or soy, to indicate that this is not what they are ordering
EoE is diagnosed by a gastroenterologist who performs an upper endoscopy and a biopsy of the esophagus.
When treating EoE, gastrointestinal doctors, allergists, and nutritionists work together to identify food or environmental triggers. Treatment may include dietary changes to avoid food triggers, medications to reduce inflammation, and sometimes procedures to stretch the esophagus.
Ongoing treatment is key to relieving symptoms, preventing long-term complications such as narrowing of the esophagus, and relieving discomfort.
Woman goes for endoscopy again
It is important to continue having endoscopies and biopsies because symptoms alone do not indicate whether you will respond to treatment.
HELD: Listen to your body
Show a patient talking to his doctor, then smiling and happily going out to dinner with friends
If you have problems eating and swallowing, contact your doctor.
With proper treatment throughout your life, EoE can be treated – and your quality of life can improve.
For more information, visit HealthyWomen.org/EoE