Eosinophilic esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis
by Allison Lindstrom, NP
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune mediated disease that leads to the accumulation of white blood cells (eosinophils) in the lining of the esophagus. These eosinophils will react to certain foods, allergens – such as pollen or dust mites, or acid reflux which can injure the esophageal lining. This is generally not a disease that is screened for, rather it is a disease that is diagnosed incidentally (on EGD) or due to symptoms (dysphagia or food impaction).
Risk factors for EOE include being male (although this can still occur in women), having a history of allergies – such as eczema – or asthma, and having a family history of EOE. Other notable risk factors include season (spring and fall since there is an increase in allergens), age (generally diagnosed in young individuals, although can be found later in life) and climate (cold and dry climate more susceptible).
The goals of treatment are two-fold. First, we want to treat the patient symptomatically and ensure that their symptoms are mitigated. The second goal is to ensure histological improvement which is evaluated by tissue sampling of the esophagus. These goals are achieved by medications, diet and/or dilation. Each patient approach is individualized and may respond better to one or a combination of treatment modalities.
Let’s talk more about the dietary approach to treating EOE. A 6-food elimination diet of common food allergens is often favored to help achieve symptomatic relief from EOE with systematic reintroduction to determine particular food triggers.
These 6 foods include:
- Milk
- Wheat
- Soy
- Egg
- Nuts
- Seafood
As you can see, this can be a very restrictive diet but is only recommended for a few weeks until one or more trigger foods can be uncovered. If you or someone you know may have eosinophilic esophagitis or are currently living with EOE, please contact us today. We offer a multidisciplinary approach with the help of a dietitian for treating EOE and can help you or a loved one get symptoms under control. Reach out today by phone at 224-407-4400 or through our website www.compgihealth.com to schedule an appointment with one of our Gastroenterologists or Nurse Practitioners.