Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) – Esophagus

Where it's found: Esophagus

What it is:
A chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory condition where the esophagus becomes infiltrated with eosinophils (a type of white blood cell). This leads to inflammation, thickening, and reduced esophageal flexibility.

Symptoms:

• Dysphagia (especially to solids)

• Food impaction

• Chest discomfort

• Reflux-like symptoms not responding to PPIs

• In children: feeding issues or poor growth

Causes / Risk Factors:

• Strong association with allergies (food or environmental)

• Atopic history: asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis

• Hypersensitivity to common triggers like dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, nuts

Treatment:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

• Topical swallowed steroids (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide)

• Dietary elimination (6-food elimination diet, targeted elimination, or elemental diet)

• Esophageal dilation in severe narrowing