Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Texas
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Find a ProviderWhat is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory disease. When a specific type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, builds up in the lining of a person's esophagus, the esophagus will become inflamed. This is usually due to the white blood cells responding to acid reflux or an allergic reaction. EoE, as this disease is called, can affect individuals of all ages. In about 75 percent of cases, however, it's more common in younger Caucasian males. If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with EoE, the GI experts at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants can help. Request a consultation with one of our providers near you today.
What are the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The amount of people diagnosed with eosinophilic EoE has significantly increased, likely linked to the rise of asthma and allergies. Some common causes of eosinophilic esophagitis are:
- Allergic reaction
- Esophageal damage (such as scarring of the tissue and narrowing of the esophagus)
- Difficulty swallowing or having food become stuck in the esophagus
- Chest or abdominal pain
You may be more likely to be diagnosed with EoE based on your:
- Geography: individuals who live in cold, dry climates are more likely to be diagnosed
- Season: You are more likely to be diagnosed in seasons with higher levels of pollen and other allergens
- Sex: Men are predominately more likely to get EoE
- Allergies and asthma
- Genetics
What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The symptoms for adults and children can differ slightly. The main symptoms for adults include:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Food getting stuck in your esophagus while eating
- Acid reflux
- Chest pain
- Upper stomach pain
- No response to acid reflux medication
- Cough
The main symptoms for children include:
- Difficulty feeding (infants)
- Difficulty eating (children)
- Stomach and abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Dysphagia
- Poor growth, weight loss, malnutrition
- Impaction (food stuck in the esophagus)
If you or your child are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, or take over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medication more than twice a week, make an appointment with your nearest GI Alliance gastroenterologist today.
What are the treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis?
The focus of treating EoE is treating the symptoms. If your symptoms are due to food allergies, we will likely advise that you avoid those foods. In these cases, we suggest a six-food elimination diet (SFED), which includes avoiding milk, eggs, nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish. From there, we will monitor your symptoms and slowly reintroduce foods. Topical steroids or a proton pump inhibitor may be prescribed in some cases. If symptoms persist, we may suggest dilation, the process of stretching the esophagus to make swallowing easier.
Personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis
If you or one of your family members suffers from eosinophilic esophagitis, there is help available. The board-certified GI specialists at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants utilize the latest techniques and state-of-the-art treatments to treat eosinophilic esophagitis in Texas. Their compassionate care can help you and your family live happy and healthy lives. To request a consultation, contact your nearest location today.
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