What is Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammatory condition of the oesophagus (tube connecting the mouth to the stomach) when eosinophil (a type of white blood cell) is found in increased numbers in the lining of the esophagus.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a type of Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGIDs).
Around 75% of people with EoE may have other allergic conditions such as food allergies, atopic dermatitis, asthma and/or hay fever.
SYMPTOMS OF EoE
Some of the symptoms may be characterised by:
Children
- Feeding difficulty - Chocking or gagging on food
- Food getting stuck on the way down the oesophagus (Food impaction)
- Slow eating
- Stomach (Abdominal) pain
- Nausea, retching and persistent vomiting (regurgitation of foods)
- Failure to put on weight or weight loss (failure to thrive)
Adults
- Difficulty in swallowing foods and or requiring a drink after eating
- Trouble swallowing
- Food getting stuck on the way down the oesophagus (Food impaction)
- Nausea, retching and persistent vomiting (regurgitation of foods)
- Severe heartburn (acid reflux) that does not respond to anti-acid medication
- Chest pain when eating
The validity and severity of these symptoms are dependent on the individual, as determined by a qualified health care provider.
TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS
If you are experiencing EoE symptoms, please visit a qualified health care provider to discuss your symptoms and referral options.
Testing and diagnosis of Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are through an endoscopy, usually conducted by a gastroenterologist, which involves inserting a thin tube with a camera through the mouth to examine the lining of the oesophagus. A biopsy will also be taken during the endoscopy to confirm the presence of eosinophils.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) requires ongoing co-management by gastroenterologists, allergists, specialist dietitians and other healthcare providers as required.
TREATMENT
If you experience or are in the presence of someone that encounters an immediate serious reaction (this may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightening, swelling, collapse, etc), call or have someone call triple zero (000) immediately.
Common treatment* options for EoE are:
- Dietary modification- This treatment is undertaken with the direction of your gastroenterologist, allergist and managed by a dietitian specialising in EoE and allergies.
- Elemental diet- If it's enough, a liquid meal replacement diet offering a complete nutritional diet is consumed. This liquid meal can be consumed orally or through a feeding tube to give the oesophagus a break.
- Dilation- A procedure that involves endoscopy to open the narrowed oesophagus.
- Medication- Based on individual symptoms and requirements, the following medications may be prescribed by a qualified health care provider-
- Swallowed corticosteroids
- Topical asthma corticosteroid puffers
- Topical asthma corticosteroid liquid
- Dissolving corticosteroid tablets
- Proton pump inhibitor medication (tablets or liquids)
*Please note any treatments and/or medications administered must be managed as directed by a qualified health care provider; otherwise, it could result in adverse effects.
It's important for anyone with EoE, to discuss treatments with a qualified health care provider to understand how to manage individual symptoms and also to set up an Action Plan in the case of symptoms.
Always present your Allergy Card, Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace to ensure health care providers, family members, friends, colleagues and others are aware of your Allergy, Allergies or Health Conditions.
RANDOM FACT
Colloquially referred to as the food pipe or gullet, the organ in vertebrates through which food passes is commonly referred to in British English as the 'Oesophagus' in Australia. In the USA and other parts of the world that use American English, it is referred to as the 'Esophagus'.
SUPPORT
Below are the support options available:
- ausEE Inc- ausEE Inc is a charity dedicated to improving lives affected by eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) including eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE). ausEE Inc provides virtual support group chats for people with Eosinophilic Diseases- Click here to learn more
- Allergy Life Australia Online Peer Allergy Support Groups- These monthly online Support Groups allow Families with allergies and Adults with allergies to have open and genuine discussions about various topics related to their life with allergies. These groups are inclusive of all allergies. Click here to learn more
The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.
---
HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH EOE OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW
