Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an increasingly common disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, causes injury and inflammation to the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). Eosinophilic esophagitis is reported to be more common in males, and may affect both adults and children.
Symptoms:
- Reflux that does not respond to acid blocking medicines
- Difficulty feeding and/or gaining weight
- Poor growth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Food sticking in the throat (food impaction)
- Chest pain
Associated Diseases:
- Environmental allergies
- Asthma
- Food allergies
Causes:
- IgE and non-IgE food allergies
- Genetic predisposition in some families
Diagnosis:
- Upper endoscopy (placement of a lighted tube into the mouth, esophagus and stomach)
- Biopsy (small tissue samples) are necessary to make the diagnosis. A count of 15 or more eosinophils per high-powered microscopic field warrants a diagnosis of EoE.
Allergy Testing
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- Allergy testing may be helpful in food reintroduction to check for foods that might cause IgE mediated reactions on reintroduction
Treatment:
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- Elimination diet (allergy test directed or empiric “six-food elimination”
- Topical Steroids
- Avoid known allergens or triggers
- Elemental diet (avoid all food protein and obtain all nutrition from a special formula)
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Prognosis:
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- Good response to treatment in most
- Recurrent episodes can occur. Untreated episodes may cause scar tissue to form in the esophagus and cause problems with swallowing
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Author: Wendy Book MD, updated 9-08-2011, reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Markowitz
© American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders 2011. Content may not be reproduced in part or in whole without express written consent from APFED. Contact us Mail@apfed.org