Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Little Rock, AR
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Find a ProviderWhat is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis, commonly referred to as (EoE), is a condition of the esophagus characterized by inflammation. If a certain type of white blood cell, referred to as an eosinophil, builds up in the lining of the esophagus, the esophagus will become inflamed (leading to esophagitis). The accumulation of the eosinophils is usually a response to acid reflux or an allergic reaction to food and allergens. People of all ages can suffer from EoE, however, it is more common in younger, male Caucasians, who account for about 75% of cases. At GastroArkansas, our gastroenterologists offer personalized treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis. If you suffer from eosinophilic esophagitis in Little Rock, AR, contact our office to request a consultation without delay.
What are the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The number of people being diagnosed with EoE has been on the rise, linked to the rise in allergies and asthma. Some common causes of eosinophilic esophagitis include:
- Chest pain or abdominal pain
- Allergic reaction (to pollen, food, etc.)
- Impaction and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing, or having food become stuck in the esophagus)
- Esophageal damage (inflammation of the esophagus can result in scarring of the tissue and narrowing of the esophagus)
A portion of the risk factors associated with a diagnosis of EoE include:
- Geography (individuals living in dry, cold conditions are more likely to be diagnosed])
- Season (you are more likely to be diagnosed with EoE in seasons with increased levels of pollen and other allergens)
- Being male
- Asthma and allergies
- Family history of EoE
What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis for adults and children can differ slightly. The usual symptoms for adults may include:
- A cough
- No response to acid reflux medication
- Acid reflux
- Food blocking in your esophagus during eating
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Chest pain
- Pain in the upper stomach
The usual symptoms in children could include:
- Impaction (food stuck in the esophagus)
- Vomiting
- Poor growth, unexplained loss of weight, malnutrition
- Struggles eating (children)
- Difficulty with feedings (infants)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain in the abdomen or stomach
If you or a loved one are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, or you need over-the-counter (OTC) medication for heartburn more frequently than twice a week, reach out and request a consultation with a GastroArkansas gastroenterologist immediately.
How is eosinophilic esophagitis treated?
Treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis from our Little Rock, AR gastroenterologists primarily focuses on treating the symptoms of the condition. If you are managing symptoms as a result of food allergies, your provider is likely to advise that you abstain from eating triggering foods. Individuals are regularly directed to follow the six-food elimination diet (SFED), removing wheat, milk, eggs, nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish from their diet for an indicated length of time. Symptoms during this time are observed closely, and individual foods are carefully added back into the diet to determine which foods are causing the response. Specific medications could be prescribed like a proton pump inhibitor or topical steroids. If symptoms fail to resolve, your provider might suggest esophageal dilation. Dilation is a treatment to help stretch your esophagus to make swallowing easier.
Personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis
If you are living with eosinophilic esophagitis, you can find expert help and compassionate care from the skilled providers at GastroArkansas. Our experienced GI specialists take a patient-centered approach to managing and treating conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis and optimizing your health. To connect with a provider who offers treatment for EoE in Little Rock, AR please reach out to a local GastroArkansas provider at your earliest convenience.
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