EoE ToT Module 4 References-Fogg et al J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003 Pollen and eosinophilic esophagitis

Fogg et al J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003 Pollen and eosinophilic esophagitis

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This letter to the editor discusses a case study of a 21-year-old female patient diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE), a condition often characterized by symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, anemia, weight loss, and dysphagia. The discussion highlights the potential link between EE and pollen exposure. The patient, with coexisting asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis but no history of food allergies, demonstrated worsened EE symptoms and biopsy results during pollen seasons, which improved during winter months.<br /><br />Despite thorough testing which eliminated food as a trigger, her EE symptoms persisted, leading the authors to consider environmental factors. Skin tests showed she was sensitized to multiple environmental allergens including trees, grasses, and dust mites. Measures to reduce indoor allergen exposure (like removing carpeting and limiting pet contact) were implemented but did not completely alleviate her symptoms.<br /><br />Biopsies conducted during pollen season revealed moderate to severe eosinophilic inflammation, while those done in winter showed mild or no inflammation. These observations suggest a correlation between pollen exposure and the severity of EE. The letter also references similar findings in animal studies, where inhalation of allergens induced EE-like symptoms, supporting the theory that pollen may play a role in the disease.<br /><br />The authors conclude that further research is needed to understand the relationship between inhalant allergens and EE, as their findings indicate that EE may be exacerbated by pollen, not food. This insight into the potential seasonal nature of EE could influence future management and treatment strategies for patients with this condition.

Keywords

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

pollen exposure

environmental allergens

seasonal symptoms

biopsy results

asthma

allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

indoor allergen reduction

eosinophilic inflammation

future research