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Eosinophilic esophagitis: A new food-related allergic condition on the rise?

The exact reasons for the rise of EoE are unknown, and it is especially puzzling that in many cases EoE results from an allergic sensitivity to a food that has been well tolerated up to that point.

There are several hypotheses about why EoE is increasing. Many of them relate back to the idea that EoE, and other allergic and autoimmune diseases, seem to correlate with decreased exposure to microbes and infections.

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  The EoE Guru

The good news is that you don’t have to freak out about what EoE will do to you. Having EoE does not significantly increase your risk of cancer or other scary diseases. Once you are diagnosed you can begin working on controlling it by diet and allergy remediation. You can live a normal live with no significant health effects, other than you might be the slowest eater of anyone you know.

 First treatment approved for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)

Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that acts to inhibit part of the inflammatory pathway, blocking interleukin-4 and -13 receptors.

Articles of Interest

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Asthma of the Esophagus?

The question whether eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) might be an ‘asthma of the esophagus' is reasonable. There are a number of similarities between the two diseases: EoE and asthma, as well as other atopic diseases, are frequently associated and have a number of similarities in their pathogenesis.

A Mother & Son's Journey Through Eosinophilic Esophagitis

I often describe it in plain terms like this: My son has regular food allergies, and because of a rare disease his esophagus also has allergies. If he eats the foods that triggers his esophageal allergies, then it damages his esophagus and can cause him pain, his esophagus to swell, and even cause food to get stuck.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Mysterious Allergic Disease

If EoE is suspected, the disease is confirmed through an upper endoscopy, during which biopsies are taken from the esophagus lining and evaluated for the presence of eosinophils. A high number of eosinophils in the middle esophagus, along with the patient’s symptoms, and exclusion of gastroesophageal reflux disease, suggest the diagnosis of EoE.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Is It All Allergies?

This article reviews the underlying pathophysiology of EE and describes evolving options for more accurately identifying food and environmental allergies. We also discuss the pediatric trials using food elimination and avoidance diets and suggest that this type of intervention may be an important area of future research in the adult population.

The pathophysiology of eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an emerging disease characterized by esophageal eosinophilia (>15eos/hpf), lack of responsiveness to acid-suppressive medication and is managed by allergen elimination and anti-allergy therapy.

You Down with EoE? No Thanks, Not Me

The rise in EoE cases has led to greater physician awareness and further research around the condition. Additionally, a wide variety of treatments have been identified for those managing EoE, such as...

Resources

Eosinophilic Esophagitis Blog

Helping answer the question “So, what can I eat?” Recipes & resources for those affected by EoE 6-Food Elimination Diet | Eating vicariously.

The Oregon Clinic

We do not fully understand EoE. We suspect it is an allergic reaction. Some people speculate that the eosinophils are left over from a more acute infection, or that there is some environmental exposure such as pollen. Others believe it is an allergic response to certain foods. Finally, some speculate that food additives or pesticides may be a factor. Regardless, the most common symptoms tend to be food that either becomes stuck or gives a sense of getting stuck after it is swallowed.

American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders

To passionately embrace, support, and improve the lives of patients and families affected by eosinophil-associated diseases through education and awareness, research, support, and advocacy.

NORD

The symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis are variable, especially in people of different ages. Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); food getting stuck in the throat (impaction); nausea; vomiting; poor growth; weight loss; stomach pain; poor appetite; and malnutrition.