What You Should Know About Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
Eosinophilic Esophagitis—EoE for short—is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. It’s more common than you might think and can affect kids and adults alike.
Why EoE Is a Big Deal
If EoE isn’t treated, the inflammation can lead to scarring and narrowing of the esophagus. That can make it hard—or even dangerous—to swallow. Some people with untreated EoE end up with food stuck in their throat (called food impaction) and may need emergency procedures like dilation to stretch the esophagus back open.
That’s why it’s so important to treat the inflammation early and effectively—to prevent long-term damage and improve quality of life.
Diagnosing EoE: It’s More Than Just Symptoms
Here’s the tricky part: even if someone feels better, it doesn’t always mean the inflammation is gone. That’s why doctors need to look inside the esophagus with a camera (called an endoscopy) and take at least 6 small biopsies from different parts of it—even if it looks normal on the outside. About 30% of people with EoE can have a normal-looking esophagus on the surface but still have inflammation inside.
Doctors will repeat this test after starting treatment to make sure it's actually working.
What’s the Goal of Treatment?
The two big goals:
Relieve symptoms like trouble swallowing
Heal the esophagus by reducing inflammation—measured as fewer than 15 eosinophils per high power field (a way doctors look at tissue under a microscope)
Common Treatments for EoE
🌀 Topical steroids (swallowed, not inhaled) are often the first choice. After 8–12 weeks of treatment, doctors repeat an endoscopy to see if the esophagus is healing. If it is, the steroid dose may be lowered.
⚠️ A side effect to watch out for: oral thrush (esophageal yeast infections), which can happen in up to 30% of patients on steroid treatment.
🥛 Food triggers play a big role in EoE:
Dairy is the #1 trigger in kids (affecting 50–70%)
Wheat is most common in adults (40–50%)
Some patients benefit from elimination diets or even elemental formula (a special liquid food) if their symptoms are severe.
The Bottom Line
EoE is a complex, chronic condition—but with the right care, most people can manage it well. Early diagnosis, careful follow-up, and personalized treatment are key to helping patients feel better and avoid long-term damage.
If you or your child is struggling with swallowing, food getting stuck, or chronic reflux that doesn’t get better with meds, it might be time to talk to your doctor about EoE.
📞 Need help managing EoE?
Our clinic offers personalized testing, treatment, and support for children and adults dealing with eosinophilic esophagitis.
