Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic inflammatory disease which occurs when large numbers of white blood cells, known as eosinophils, are found in the esophagus.

Short Bowel Syndrome with Intestinal Failure (SBS-IF)

Short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure is a condition where individuals cannot absorb nutrients properly because they lack part of their intestine due to portions being surgically removed, parts missing since birth, or portions damaged and unable to function properly.

Symptoms

Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis may experience a variety of symptoms including:

Vomiting and nausea

Abdominal and chest pain

Persistent heartburn

Reflux

Food stuck in the throat (impaction)

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Diagnosis Journey

Learn more about how people who are experiencing signs and symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis can be diagnosed.

When to see your doctor

If you are experiencing any symptoms that are consistent with EoE, go see your physician/doctor.

Difficulty swallowing
Food getting stuck in the esophagus
Regurgitation
Chest pain that is not responding to antacids

Process for diagnosis

Tests used to confirm a diagnosis of EoE:

Upper endoscopy- A long tube containing a light and a camera is inserted through the mouth and down the esophagus. It is used to inspect the esophagus for inflammation and narrowing.
Biopsy – Tissue is taken from the esophagus and examined to look for eosinophils.
Esophageal sponge – A test in which a capsule on a string is swallowed and once the capsule dissolves in the stomach, a sponge is released. The sponge will sample esophageal tissues and doctors can examine it for inflammation.

If you feel that you are not receiving adequate treatment, don't be afraid to explore other physicians and specialists in order to get the care you need.

Specialists

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Registered doctors

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Ongoing Research and Treatment Options

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a rare disease that requires more effective treatment options. If EoE is not treated, it can lead to esophageal damage. Therefore, further research is necessary in order to find these new EoE treatments.

Current Research Studies

There are about 40 eosinophilic esophagitis research studies that are actively recruiting participants. Search this site to find EoE research studies near you.

Visit Clinicaltrials.gov

Medications

While no known cure exists, treatment and medications can greatly reduce signs and symptoms of EoE.

Check out these medications below that can help treat EoE:

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids help suppress inflammatory genes to reduce inflammation.

Monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies can help block proteins that cause inflammation. Dupilumab (Dupixent) is a monoclonal antibody that was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of EoE in adults and children 12 years or older.

Proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors may help reduce acid production in the stomach.

Diet Modifications

Some foods may make symptoms worse for people with EoE. It can be helpful to keep track of foods that are easier and more difficult to eat.
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Examples of diet modifications to help reduce the symptoms of EoE include:
Food test-directed elimination diets: The blood is tested for food sensitivities and these foods are removed from the diet.
Six-food elimination diet (SFED): Diet to avoid the top 6 food allergens (wheat, milk, eggs, nuts, soy, fish/shellfish).

Feeding Tube

Patients with EoE may require a feeding tube. Feeding tubes provide liquid nutrition to the body as an alternative to eating food.

Surgery

Esophageal dilation: A medical procedure in which doctors widen the esophagus.

Resources

Find an online community of fellow EoE patients, caregivers, and advocates below as well as some other general resources!

Research in Eosinophil Associated Diseases, EoE+ (READ)

This group is intended to be a forum for discussion and a place where people can share information and research related to eosinophil associated diseases.

EoE Eosinophilic Esophagitis_AdultGroup

A group that offers a safe space for people with EoE to ask questions and share their experiences.

Reddit Group: r/EosinophilicE

A Reddit community for discussion and information related to eosinophilic esophagitis.

ausEE

ausEE is a patient organization whose mission is to improve the lives of Australians affected by eosinophilic diseases by providing support, information, resources, and campaigning to raise funds and awareness for further research into eosinophilic diseases.

APFED | American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders

The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is a nonprofit organization and patient advocacy group dedicated to improving the lives of those living with eosinophilic disorders.

EOS Network

The EOS Network aims to ensure that people with an eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease receive a proper diagnosis, treatment, and support with their condition.

EoE Digest

EoE Digest is a website created by Claire Johnson, who was diagnosed with EoE. This website is focused on helping other patients with EoE find EoE friendly recipes that follow the 6-food elimination diet and more information on how diet can help improve symptoms of EoE.

Apfed Podcast | American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders Podcast

Apfed hosts a podcast where they have conversations with researchers, clinicians, patients, and other members of the community to discuss treatments, research, and other relevant topics.

Social Security Disability Application Process
Visit the article below that shares information about how to apply for social security disability for those who suffer from an eosinophilic disorder.

Living With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Read the article below to learn more about different ways to cope with the emotional, physical, and social stress associated with eosinophilic esophagitis. This article also shares tips for eating out, work, parties, and travel.

FDA Approves First Treatment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis, a Chronic Immune Disorder

Learn more about the first FDA approved treatment called Dupixent, for adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older with EoE.

Update on the MESSINA Phase III Trial for Fasenera in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Visit the article below to learn more about the MESSINA clinical trial and an update on how the study did not meet one of the two dual-primary endpoints.

FAQs

Is EoE considered a rare disease?

EoE is referred to as a rare disease, but it has increasingly become more common.

Do patients with EoE typically have other allergic diseases?

Yes. Many EoE patients also have other allergic diseases such as rhinitis, asthma, and/or eczema.

Will EoE ever go away?

EoE is almost always a chronic and lifelong disease.

Are there risk factors associated with EoE?

Yes. Risk factors include being between the ages of 30-40, having asthma, family history of EoE, food or environmental allergies, and living in a cold or dry climate.

Where can I find support for my EoE?

Find different resources for support in the Resources section.

Are males or females more commonly affected by EoE?

EoE is 3-4 times more common in males.

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