Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

What Causes EoE? 🤔

EoE occurs when the immune system overreacts to specific proteins found in food or airborne allergens. This reaction damages the lining of the esophagus and causes chronic inflammation.

Most common food triggers include:

• Milk and dairy products,
• Eggs,
• Wheat,
• Soy and legumes,
• Nuts,
• Seafood.

Environmental allergens such as pollen or dust can also worsen symptoms. People with asthma, eczema, or hay fever are more likely to develop EoE. 🌿

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Common Symptoms of EoE 🔍

EoE symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe swallowing difficulties.

Typical signs include:

• Trouble swallowing (solid foods stick more often).
• Chest pain not linked to heart disease.
• Heartburn that doesn’t improve with usual medications.
• Regurgitation or vomiting (more frequent in children).
• Poor appetite or slow growth in children. 👶

Without treatment, the esophagus may develop scars and permanent narrowing.

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How Is EoE Diagnosed? 🩺

Diagnosis combines symptoms, endoscopic findings, and biopsy results.

Your doctor may recommend:

• Endoscopy: to view swelling, rings, white spots, or narrowing.
• Biopsy: small tissue samples are examined for eosinophils under a microscope. Finding 15 or more eosinophils per high-power field confirms EoE.
• Excluding other conditions: acid reflux (GERD), Crohn’s disease, and infections must be ruled out. 🔬

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Treatment Options for EoE 💊

There is no single cure for EoE, but several approaches can control symptoms and prevent complications.

1️⃣ Medications

• Topical corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide, fluticasone) reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Biologic therapies may be used for patients who don’t respond to standard treatment.

2️⃣ Dietary therapy

Avoiding trigger foods is key to long-term management. The six-food elimination diet (milk, wheat, eggs, soy, nuts, seafood) is most common, but your doctor may recommend a simpler version first. 🥛🥚🌾

3️⃣ Esophageal dilatation

If the esophagus is severely narrowed, a gentle stretching procedure can help restore normal swallowing.

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Long-Term Management 🕐

EoE is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care. Stopping treatment often leads to recurrence of symptoms.

To maintain control:

• Continue prescribed therapy or dietary plan.
• Schedule regular check-ups and endoscopic monitoring.
• Follow a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. 💙

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Prognosis and Outlook 🌞

With consistent treatment, most patients live comfortably and avoid serious complications. Early diagnosis and personalized care help protect the esophagus and maintain normal function. 🌿

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DISCLAIMER: The information presented on this page has been intentionally condensed and simplified to make it accessible and easier to understand for the general audience. Its purpose is solely to provide basic awareness and education on the topic discussed. It is important to note that this content is not exhaustive and does not replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers are strongly advised to seek consultations with qualified healthcare professionals or specialists for accurate assessment, personalized guidance, and appropriate medical care. Relying solely on the information provided here, without professional oversight, may lead to misunderstandings or inadequate treatment.