Eosinophilic Esophagitis - image of a woman holding throat area with hands
Zoë

What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated condition where a type of white blood cell, called an eosinophil, builds up in the esophagus. This buildup causes inflammation, leading to difficulties swallowing, food impaction, and damage to the esophagus over time.
EoE is often triggered by food or environmental allergens.

How to Cope with EoE?

Managing EoE involves working with your healthcare team to create a personalized treatment plan, leaning on support from loved ones and online communities, and adapting your diet through elimination or special nutrition plans.
Educating yourself about EoE empowers your care journey, and remember, you’re not alone—managing EoE takes time, but progress is possible.

Is There a Cure for EoE?

Currently, there is no cure for EoE. However, treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage.
Treatment options include but are not limited to elimination diets, medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and steroids, and esophageal dilation procedures.

What are the Common Symptoms of EoE?

  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Food impaction (food getting stuck in the esophagus)
  • Chest or abdominal pain
  • Heartburn or reflux that doesn’t respond to standard treatments
  • Vomiting (more common in children)
  • Poor growth or failure to thrive (in children)

Who Treats Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?

Gastroenterologists, Allergists and Immunologists. Look for Gastroenterologists who specialize in digestive conditions and perform tests like endoscopy to diagnose EoE. Allergists and Immunologists will test for allergies, identify triggers, and manage related issues like asthma or eczema. Your PCP can often set you up with a specialist if you can’t directly get in.  

Learn More About EoE

Here are trusted EoE resources:

Always consult an allergist or gastroenterologist if EoE is suspected.

FAQs About Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

1. How is EoE diagnosed?

EoE is diagnosed through an upper endoscopy with a biopsy. A gastroenterologist takes small tissue samples from the esophagus to check for eosinophils under a microscope. Diagnosis is confirmed when at least 15 eosinophils per high-power field are found in the esophageal tissue. Always discuss with your own medical professional, but I’ve heard to ask for multiple scope sample locations as EoE can form in “clumps” and is not necessarily in every area. 

2. What treatments are there for EoE?

While there is no cure for EoE, treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage. Common treatment options include:

  • Dietary therapy: Eliminating trigger foods through an elimination diet or allergy testing-based diet.
  • Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid and swallowed steroids to reduce inflammation.
  • Esophageal dilation: A procedure to widen the esophagus if strictures (narrowing) develop.

3. Can EoE cause long-term damage?

Yes, if left untreated, EoE can lead to permanent narrowing of the esophagus (strictures), making swallowing progressively harder. This may require esophageal dilation procedures, so early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.

4. How is EoE different from GERD (acid reflux)?

While both conditions can cause heartburn, EoE does not respond well to traditional acid reflux treatments like PPIs alone. Additionally, EoE is an allergic, immune-driven condition, whereas GERD is caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. A biopsy is needed to distinguish between the two.

5. Where can I find reliable information and support for EoE?

For expert resources and community support, check out:

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