What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?
EoE is a chronic, lifelong immune disorder that affects the esophagus.
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that protect the body in response to triggers such as food and environmental allergens.
EoE occurs when eosinophils build up in your esophagus due to allergens that cause inflammation.
Symptoms of EoE include:
These symptoms may occur intermittently, occur occasionally, or occur constantly.
Babies and young children with EoE may have difficulty feeding and may vomit. They may not be receiving enough nutrients they need for proper growth. This is called stunting.
Diagnosis of EEo
EoE is diagnosed by a gastroenterologist using a procedure called an upper endoscopy with biopsy. This allows your doctor to check for inflammation and eosinophils (white blood cells) in the esophagus.
EEO Treatment and Control
There is no cure for EoE, but treatment and treatment can be helpful in keeping the disease under control.
diet
Identify and avoid certain foods that trigger inflammation with the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Medication
Medicines include:
Medication can be useful for:
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Reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces
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Reduce swelling and inflammation
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Improve swallowing ability
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Eliminate the need for dietary changes
Treatment is not universal. Find a method that will help you feel better and keep your EoE under control long-term.
Treating EoE is important
EoE is a chronic, lifelong condition that requires ongoing monitoring and treatment, including endoscopies to monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness. If not treated:
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Inflammation can lead to scarring in the tissue
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The esophagus may narrow
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Eating could be painful
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Food could get stuck in your esophagus
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The disorder may worsen
If you have symptoms of EoE, talk to a gastroenterologist.
Features
Keywords: American Association for Eosinophilic Disorders, American Gastroenterological Association stance: Do I have EoE?
This educational resource was created with support from Regeneron, Sanofi and Takeda.
