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You have a muscular tube that connects your mouth to your stomach called an esophagus. After chewing and swallowing your food, this tube is responsible for carrying food and liquid to the stomach to continue the digestion process. If this tube becomes inflamed or damaged, this simple process can become difficult and painful! Allow us to highlight several frequently asked questions about eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic disease that damages the esophagus.

What occurs in the esophagus when eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is present?

White blood cells called eosinophil are part of your digestive tract. When your esophagus reacts to certain allergens, these white blood cells multiply within the lining of the tube and damage your esophagus or cause inflammation. When your esophagus is compromised, it will be difficult for the esophagus to move food and liquid to your stomach as it should.

What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)?

Symptoms will vary by age. If your child is experiencing eosinophilic esophagitis, he or she may experience symptoms such as:

  • Difficulty nursing (infants), eating, or swallowing
  • Impaction of food in the esophagus
  • Poor growth
  • Stomach pain
  • Unresponsive to GERD medication
  • Vomiting

If an adult is suffering from EoE, he or she may experience symptoms such as:

  • Central chest pain that does not go away after using antacids
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Heartburn
  • Impaction of food in the esophagus
  • Reflux
  • Regurgitation of food

What causes eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) to occur?

Researchers believe that white blood cells build up in the lining of the esophagus because they are reacting to an allergen such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or certain foods. If you are white, male, have a family member with EoE, or have other allergic conditions, you are at higher risk or developing EoE.

Langford Allergy can treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)!

EoE occurs because of an immune system response to a certain allergen. It is vital to determine what allergen is causing this response (allergy test or blood test) so we can teach your immune system to STOP overreacting (immunotherapy). Call us to schedule your appointment today: 478-787-4728

Stay tuned for part 2 in this series which will answer the questions:

  • What complications can arise from eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)?
  • How is eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) diagnosed?
  • What treatment options are available?