- Eosinophils (ee-oh-sin-oh-FILs) are a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in the immune system. White blood cells help protect the body by fighting infections. They are also associated with allergy and asthma.
- Eosinophilic (ee-uh-sin-uh-fil-ik) esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic condition caused by inflammation of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that sends food from the throat to the stomach. The most common symptom of EoE in adults is difficulty swallowing solid, particularly dry or dense foods. Symptoms in children vary and may include abdominal pain, vomiting, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, insufficient weight gain, and failure to thrive. Inflammation in individuals with EoE is often caused by an allergic reaction to specific food proteins. Most of the time, the allergic reactions to specific foods are delayed and develop over days, which is different than other food allergic reactions that occur immediately. Most adults and children with EoE do not have rashes, swelling or difficulty breathing immediately after eating specific foods. However, eating the foods may contribute to the symptoms of EoE. Many people with EoE have a family history of allergic disorders such as asthma, rhinitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or food allergy.
- In order to diagnose EoE, a doctor will perform an endoscopy and a biopsy of the esophagus. This is usually done after medications to control acid reflux have failed to improve symptoms. At the current time, treatments include food elimination diets and the use of anti-inflammatory medications that are swallowed, with the goal of coating the esophagus with the medication to reduce inflammation.
- Diagnosing the condition is often a coordinated effort between a gastroenterologist and an an allergist / immunologist.
- There are many other disorders of eosinophils that can affect almost every organ in the body. An allergist/immunologist specializes in coordinating effects to diagnose and treat these conditions.
EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS, & OTHER EOSINOPHILIC DISORDERS
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