“EOE is a chronic condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts and sends an overabundance of white blood cells to the esophagus. The pooling of these blood cells causes inflammation that keeps the esophagus from contracting properly,” says Kheng-Jim Lim, MD, board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine, and a member of the Medical Staff of Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center’ Center for Digestive Health.
The condition can be triggered by a food allergy, seasonal allergies, or when acid flows backward from the stomach to the esophagus. Left untreated, EOE can lead to scarring and permanent narrowing of the esophagus.
Diagnosing and Treating EOE
Diagnosing the condition usually begins with an upper endoscopy to look for inflammation and take a small tissue sample to test for excessive white blood cells. If EOE is diagnosed, your gastroenterologist may refer you to an allergist to determine if the condition is being triggered by an allergy.
“At the Center for Digestive Health, treatment for EOE is tailored to the individual patient,” says Neha Sirohi, MD, board certified in allergy and immunology, and a member of the Medical Staff of Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “Gastroenterologists, allergists, and nutritionists coordinate to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.”
Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment may include dietary changes to identify allergies, immunotherapy if an allergy is discovered, and medications including biologics, proton pump inhibitors, or steroids to help reduce inflammation. For patients who experience difficulty swallowing due to a narrowing of the esophagus, esophageal dilation — where the esophagus is loosened up with the use of an endoscope — may help.
To find a physician on the Medical Staff of Princeton Health, call 888.742.7496, or visit princetonhcs.org.
Watch for These Signs
|