Eosinophilic esophagitis
Published
Sept. 14, 2020
•
Reviewed by
a UI Health Care Provider
on
Sept. 1, 2020
This is a buildup of immune cells in the lining of your esophagus. These cells are called eosinophils. The esophagus carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This buildup is due to a barrier problem. It can react to foods, allergens, or acid reflux and get worse.
Causes
The exact cause is not known. It is believed that that a tissue barrier problem leads to an immune reaction to certain foods leads to a buildup of eosinophils. The lining of your esophagus becomes swollen and inflamed. This can lead to scarring of the esophagus.
Most people with this disorder have a family or personal history of other types of allergic diseases including seasonal allergy, eczema, food allergy, or asthma.
Symptoms
- Problems eating or swallowing
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Problems gaining weight, weight loss, or poor growth.
- Food getting stuck when swallowing
- Chest pain
- Heartburn
Exams and tests
- Blood tests
- Allergy skin test
- Upper endoscopy
- Biopsy of the lining of your esophagus
Treatment
- There is no cure. Manage your diet and/or take medicines for treatment.
- Do not have any foods you test positive for food allergies.
- Do not have any that you know trigger this problem.
- Do not have these common foods:
- dairy
- wheat
- eggs
- soy
- nuts
- seafood
- Proton pump inhibitors can help control acid reflux. Inhaled-formulation steroids can be swallowed to coat the esophagus to help control symptoms.
- You may need a procedure to open or dilate your esophagus if you have narrowing or stricture (scarring).