EoE Module 14 References-EoE care EoE_Patient_Education_Brochure

EoE care EoE_Patient_Education_Brochure_10.23

Pdf Summary

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the esophagus, often resulting in its narrowing. This condition is triggered by allergens like foods, dust, pollen, or mold. Family history can also increase the risk of EoE. Symptoms include difficulty or painful swallowing, food impaction in the esophagus, feeling like choking, regurgitation, heartburn unresponsive to medications, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal or chest pain.<br /><br />EoE can be mistaken for typical allergies as it presents similar symptoms, albeit with a delayed response that complicates diagnosis. In EoE, the immune response involves a buildup of eosinophils, white blood cells that lead to swelling and chronic inflammation in the esophagus, potentially causing scarring and narrowing.<br /><br />Diagnosing EoE involves interdisciplinary medical evaluation. Primary care physicians may refer patients to specialists such as gastroenterologists, allergists, and immunologists. Gastroenterologists can perform endoscopies and tissue biopsies to confirm EoE by identifying eosinophil counts in the esophagus. Allergists test for sensitivities to specific allergens which might trigger EoE symptoms.<br /><br />Management of EoE requires collaboration between healthcare providers and patients to accurately diagnose and tailor treatments to the individual triggers and symptoms. While symptoms can fluctuate, the ongoing inflammation can progressively worsen and damage the esophagus if untreated.<br /><br />For support, individuals can connect with the EoE community through organizations such as the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) and the Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease (CURED). These groups provide education, advocacy, and support for those affected by EoE. For further information, resources can be found at EoEcare.com.

Keywords

Eosinophilic esophagitis

chronic inflammatory disease

esophagus narrowing

allergens

eosinophils

diagnosis

gastroenterologists

allergists

treatment

support organizations