Heartburn and reflux are common, but if they keep coming back and food feels like it’s getting stuck, you may have eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), not just acid reflux.
EoE is a chronic allergic condition that causes inflammation in the esophagus (the tube that carries food to your stomach). People with EoE have a buildup of allergy cells, called eosinophils, in the esophagus. These cells cause ongoing inflammation that can make swallowing difficult.
Signs of EoE
You may have EoE if you:
- Have heartburn that doesn’t get better
- Feel like food gets stuck
- Have trouble swallowing, especially meat or bread
- Drink lots of water to help food go down
- Chew excessively or eat very slowly
- Avoid certain foods because they’re hard to swallow
Children may have different symptoms than adults. Instead of heartburn or food getting stuck, they may have feeding difficulties, frequent stomach pain, vomiting, slow eating, poor weight gain, or avoid certain foods because swallowing is uncomfortable.
Many people don’t realize they’ve changed the way they eat to work around the problem.
How Is EoE Different From Acid Reflux?
While EoE and acid reflux can cause similar symptoms, they are not the same condition, but can co-exist. Acid reflux is caused by stomach acid irritating the esophagus. EoE is caused by an overactive immune response that leads to inflammation in the esophagus.
Having EoE does not necessarily mean you have a classic food allergy. Unlike a typical food allergy that causes immediate symptoms like hives, swelling, vomiting, or trouble breathing, EoE symptoms often develop slowly over time. While certain foods or environmental allergens can trigger inflammation in some people, others never identify a specific cause.
How Is It Diagnosed?
EoE can not be diagnosed by symptoms alone. A gastroenterologist diagnoses EoE with an upper endoscopy and biopsy. An allergist works alongside the gastroenterologist to identify triggers for this inflammation and a long term plan of care.
Treatment
Treatment may include:
- Acid-reducing medication
- Swallowed steroid medication
- Diet changes/Elimination diets
- Biologic medications for some patients
When to Seek Care
If food repeatedly gets stuck, swallowing becomes difficult, or your “reflux” isn’t improving, it’s time to see a specialist. If food becomes completely stuck or you can’t swallow saliva, seek emergency medical care immediately.
The bottom line: If your heartburn comes with trouble swallowing or food sticking, don’t assume it’s just reflux. EoE is treatable, and getting diagnosed early can help prevent long-term damage!
Schedule your appointment today with an Allergy & Asthma specialist at Advanced Specialty Care in Danbury, New Milford, Ridgefield or Norwalk.
— Michelle DiMauro has over 13 years’ experience in a wide array of specialties including post-surgical care, Internal Medicine, and Cardiothoracic, Pulmonary/Asthma & Sleep Medicines. She sees patients in our Danbury and New Milford offices.
ADVANCED SPECIALTY CARE
The Allergy & Asthma specialists at Advanced Specialty Care specialize in all of your family’s Allergy concerns–offering the region’s largest and longest-running Immunotherapy program. To schedule your appointment with an Allergy & Asthma Specialist at Advanced Specialty Care in Danbury, New Milford, Ridgefield or Norwalk, CT, call us or book your appointment today.
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