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.

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.

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

Link
John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Link
John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Link
John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Link
John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Link
John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Link

Registered doctors

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Link
John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Link
John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Link
John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Link
John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Link
John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Link

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 over 30 eosinophilic esophagitis research studies that are actively recruiting participants. Search this site to find EoE research studies near you.

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.
  • 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.
Principal Investigator Spotlight
Gastroenterologist Answers Questions About EoE
Read Article
Dr. Gary W. Falk
Director of the Esophagology and Swallowing Center in the Gastroenterology Department at Penn Medicine
Dr. Gary W. Falk
Director of the Esophagology and Swallowing Center in the Gastroenterology Department at Penn Medicine
Gastroenterologist Answers Questions About EoE
Read Dr. Falk's article where he answered questions about eosinophilic esophagitis.  
Read Article

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.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) Support USA
A support system for sharing personal struggles of eosinophilic esophagitis.
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.
CURED Foundation
CURED Foundation is an organization that is dedicated to advocating for those with eosinophilic diseases by helping fund research and increasing awareness about these diseases.
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.

What to Know About Diet for Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Learn more about EoE and diet, including common trigger foods, types of elimination diets, and how to identify trigger foods.

Dupilumab Promising for Children Aged 1-11 With EoE  

Read the article to learn more about a recent study supporting the safety and efficacy of a new treatment for children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

7th CURED Research Conference and Patient Education Program

April 4-7, 2023
Learn more about this international meeting focusing on Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders, including EoE and other eosinophilic diseases.  

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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