Eosinophilic esophagitis

The exact cause of eosinophilic esophagitis is not known. It is believed that an immune reaction to certain foods leads to a buildup of eosinophils. As a result, the lining of the esophagus becomes swollen and inflamed. Most people with this disorder have a family or personal history of allergies or asthma. Triggers…

Eosinophilic esophagitis can affect both children and adults. Symptoms in children include: Problems feeding or eating Abdominal pain Vomiting Problems swallowing Food getting stuck in the esophagus Poor weight gain or weight loss, poor growth, and malnutrition Symptoms in adults include: Food getting stuck when…

Your health care provider will take a detailed history and perform a physical exam. This is done to check for food allergies and to rule out other conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Tests that may be done include: Blood tests Allergy skin test Upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)…

There is no cure at this time. Treatment involves managing your diet and taking medicines. If you test positive for food allergies, you may be told to avoid those foods. Or you may avoid all foods that are known to trigger this problem. Common foods that cause eosinophilic esophagitis include seafood, eggs, nuts, soy,…

Support groups such as American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders can help you understand more about eosinophilic esophagitis. You can also learn ways to manage your condition and cope with the disease.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is long-term (chronic) disease that comes and goes over a person's lifetime.

Possible complications may include: Narrowing of the esophagus (a stricture) Food getting stuck in the esophagus (common in both children and adults) Severe swelling and irritation of the esophagus

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Bird JA. Food allergies. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 10. Falk GW, Katzka DA. Diseases of the esophagus. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA:…