Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus caused by an excess of white blood cells, often related to allergies. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, heartburn, and weight loss. Treatment may include medication and dietary changes. Diagnosis can be difficult, and a biopsy is often necessary.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus characterized and caused by the presence of a large number of white blood cells. These blood cells are part of the body’s immune system. In healthy patients, they are not found in the esophagus, although they can be located in other areas of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis have large numbers of white blood cells in their esophagus and can experience a variety of symptoms.
People with eosinophilic esophagitis usually have trouble swallowing, heartburn that doesn’t respond to medications, and may experience weight loss and indigestion. The condition is sometimes difficult to diagnose because a doctor may think it is simply an extreme form of reflux. If an endoscopy is performed, the esophagus may show telltale signs of inflammation or may appear perfectly healthy, and a biopsy is crucial for the diagnosis.
Some patients with eosinophilic esophagitis develop ridges or furrows in the esophagus due to chronic inflammation. These can be clear diagnostic indicators. Other patients have visible plaques of white blood cells on the lining of the esophagus. In other cases, the changes are visible only microscopically, with numerous white blood cells interspersed with the normal cells of the esophagus.
Treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis may include medications to control stomach acid, suppress inflammation, and address the immune malfunction that leads to the profusion of white blood cells. If a patient has known allergies that could cause white blood cells to explode, these also need to be treated. Dietary modifications such as avoiding common allergens and trigger foods are usually recommended. The patient will need to make permanent lifestyle changes to avoid exposure to these foods so that the inflammation does not recur.
The causes of eosinophilic esophagitis are not well understood. It is thought to be related to allergies, including not just food allergies, but exposure to inhaled allergens. People with a history of asthma and allergic reactions are more at risk, and the condition is also more common in men. Some researchers have theorized that autoimmune diseases can also lead to eosinophilic esophagitis, with disruption of the immune system leading to inflammation of the esophagus and other regions of the body. People can benefit from the latest research on this condition by seeing a gastroenterology specialist who has access to the latest treatment protocols, clinical trial information, and other information that may be helpful in patient care.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
