Understanding Eosinophilic Esophagitis: An Overview of Symptoms and Diagnosis

Eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE, is an uncomfortable medical condition that can cause difficulty swallowing, among other signs and symptoms. It is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed for many years. It can affect both children and adults.

What Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

The exact cause of EoE is unknown, but is believed to a be a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune dysregulation. The condition is caused by an accumulation of excess white blood cells, known as eosinophils. When these white blood cells accumulate, inflammation can develop, leading to eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE.

Signs and Symptoms of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Signs and symptoms of EoE in adults include difficulty swallowing, food stuck in the throat, chest pain, heartburn, and backflow of food. Signs and symptoms of EoE in children also include feeding issues, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss. However, symptoms can vary widely among individuals, making diagnosis and management challenging. 

Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Diagnosing EoE often involves a combination of clinical evaluation, endoscopy, and histological examination of esophageal tissue. An endoscopy is a procedure using a thin, flexible tube, known as an endoscope, with a camera attached to one end. The tube is inserted into the mouth and guided down into the esophagus. Some practices also offer transnasal endoscopies where the tube is inserted via the nasal passages. During the endoscopy, a specialist can view the esophagus and remove any abnormal tissue or growth. The tissue may be examined on a cellular level with a biopsy. A biopsy determines whether abnormal cells are present.

There are other non-invasive procedures that are being studied such as an esophageal sponge or string.

Want To Know More about the Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of EoE?

To discover more about the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of EoE, call Andrew Smith, MD, MS, and Tara Sarin, MD at Allergy Associates of Utah, serving the greater Salt Lake City, Utah, areas with locations in Murray and West Jordan, UT. Request an appointment in the Murray, Utah, location by calling (801) 263-8700, or in West Jordan, Utah, by calling (801) 282-8700. You can also make an appointment online. Schedule at either Allergy Associates of Utah location for expert allergy and immunology care today.