Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic and chronic immune system condition that is caused in the esophagus. As a result of this health condition, the esophagus gets inflamed and is unable to contract in a proper manner. In addition to that, the esophagus also gets narrowed down and develops abscesses or rings.
Notably, these symptoms usually occur when the immune system produces white blood cells in reaction to some kind of allergen. These white blood cells are known as eosinophils. This gives this condition its name, which is eosinophilic esophagitis, or EOE or EE. This immune system condition can be caused at any age. However, it is known to be more prevalent in white males.
Causes of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis is mainly caused when the body has an allergic reaction to some environmental allergens or certain foods.
Symptoms
Eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms may vary from one individual to another. Some common symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis are:
- Trouble swallowing, also known as dysphagia.
- Heartburn or chest pain
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Food being stuck in the throat because of the narrowed throat, also called impaction.
- Poor weight gain or stunted growth, mostly in children.
- Backflow of undigested food, also called regurgitation.
- Not being responsive to GERD medication
- Malnutrition
When to Take Help from a Doctor
A person should reach out to a doctor for eosinophilic esophagitis treatment if they are experiencing chest pain. Symptoms like arm or jaw pain and shortness of breath also indicate the seriousness of this medical condition. In such cases, medical attention should be sought immediately. It is also important to note that these symptoms can also be an indication of a heart attack.
Taking that into account, one must make an appointment with a professional healthcare provider if they have been experiencing frequent or severe symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. Moreover, if a person has to take medicines for treating heartburn twice or more than twice a week, they must see their doctor without any delay. Also, they must be careful about their diet. Following a specialized eosinophilic esophagitis diet can be a good option here.
Risk Factors of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Individuals who have been suffering from food allergies, environmental allergies, asthma, or dermatitis, have a great chance of experiencing the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. There are also various conditions that can cause eosinophilic esophagitis to increase the number of chances of developing this condition in the esophagus.
Importantly, the professional healthcare provider will be required to assess the patient to see if they are possibly dealing with this chronic immune system health condition or not. Here, a family history of having eosinophilic esophagitis also plays an integral role in determining the risk factor for a person.
Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
For treating this health condition, the patient will be required to work closely with a gastroenterologist or allergist. These healthcare professionals will help them figure out what foods or substances they should avoid to eliminate the complications regarding eosinophilic esophagitis.
Moreover, it is important to note that there are no particular medicines for curing eosinophilic esophagitis.
