Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Overview

Physicians and researchers at Mayo were among the first in the United States to recognize eosinophilic esophagitis and have extensive expertise and experience in treating this condition and other conditions of the esophagus. The multidisciplinary team that treats eosinophilic esophagitis includes specialists from gastroenterology, immunology, and allergic diseases. Mayo Clinic treats more than 100 new patients each year who have this condition. Also, Mayo researchers have been leaders in eosinophilic esophagitis research.

Diagnosis

An evaluation begins with a comprehensive examination by a physician, and a thorough discussion of the history of the problem and symptoms. The most common symptom in adults is difficulty swallowing solid food (dysphagia), or solid food sticking in the esophagus for more than a few minutes (food impaction). Children may have other symptoms, including heartburn, chest pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. About one-half of patients also have seasonal allergies or asthma. Several diagnostic tests are available to examine the esophagus and to test for eosinophils. A buildup of eosinophils in the esophagus indicates eosinophilic esophagitis. Read more about eosinophilic esophagitis diagnosis.

Treatment

Eosinophilic esophagitis may be associated with food allergies, and often can be treated successfully with changes in diet. Steroid medications also are helpful in many patients, particularly adults. See more about eosinophilic esophagitis treatment options.

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• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

The presence of eosinophils in the tissue (red cells in the illustration) confirms eosinophilic esophagitis.

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About Eosinophilic Esophagitis

In this condition, eosinophils build up in the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach). Eosinophils are white blood cells that normally reside in small numbers in the blood and are an important part of the immune system. The number of eosinophils may increase in allergic diseases like asthma or seasonal allergies. Eosinophils are not normally found in the healthy esophagus. Eosinophils may accumulate in high numbers in the esophagus as a reaction to foods, airborne allergens, or acid reflux. When this occurs, they can inflame or injure the esophageal tissue, similar to an allergic reaction. Eosinophilic esophagitis was first recognized in 1978. The disease is being diagnosed at an increasing rate, in part because the disease is now more widely recognized.