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Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic inflammatory condition affecting the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. In this condition, a type of white blood cell called an eosinophil builds up in the lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation and difficulty swallowing.
At Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants, we evaluate patients throughout New York’s Capital Region who experience symptoms that may suggest EoE, particularly when symptoms are associated with food allergies or other allergic conditions.
EoE is increasingly recognized as a common cause of swallowing difficulty and food getting stuck in the esophagus in both children and adults.
Because the condition is often linked to allergic reactions to foods or environmental allergens, allergists play an important role in identifying triggers and helping manage the condition as part of a coordinated care plan.
Eosinophilic esophagitis occurs when eosinophils accumulate in the lining of the esophagus due to an immune reaction to allergens, often foods.
This inflammation can damage the esophageal tissue and lead to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or food becoming lodged in the esophagus.
Over time, untreated inflammation may cause:
EoE is considered a chronic condition, meaning ongoing management is often required to control inflammation and symptoms.
Symptoms of EoE can vary depending on age.
Symptoms in children may include:
Common symptoms in adults include:
Because symptoms can resemble acid reflux or GERD, EoE may initially be mistaken for other digestive conditions.
EoE is believed to result from an allergic immune response, often triggered by certain foods or environmental allergens.
Diagnosis of EoE typically involves a combination of symptom evaluation and specialized testing.
Evaluation may include:
Your physician reviews symptoms, dietary triggers, and history of allergic disease.
A gastroenterologist may perform an endoscopy to examine the esophagus and obtain small tissue samples. The diagnosis is confirmed when elevated numbers of eosinophils are identified in the esophageal tissue.
Because EoE is often associated with allergic triggers, allergy testing may help identify foods or environmental allergens that contribute to inflammation.
Diagnosis usually involves coordination between allergy specialists and gastroenterologists.
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and identifying triggering allergens.
Some patients benefit from eliminating specific foods that trigger allergic inflammation. Common approaches include:
Medications used to control inflammation may include:
In some cases where the esophagus becomes narrowed, a gastroenterologist may perform a procedure to gently stretch the esophagus and improve swallowing.
Because EoE is frequently associated with allergic conditions, allergists play an important role in evaluating potential triggers.
At Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants, our specialists help patients:
A collaborative approach can help improve symptom control and prevent long-term complications.
Patients trust Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants for evaluation of allergic conditions that may contribute to eosinophilic esophagitis.
Our specialists help patients:
With proper evaluation and treatment, many patients can significantly improve symptoms and maintain long-term digestive health.
