Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Houston, TX

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Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease characterized by inflammation in the esophagus. When a specific type of white blood cell called an eosinophil accumulates in the lining of the esophagus, the organ can become swollen (causing esophagitis). The buildup of these eosinophils is typically a side effect of acid regurgitation or a reaction to food and allergens. EoE can be suffered by people of every age. However, it is most common in younger, male Caucasians, who make up close to 75% of cases. At Gastroenterology Consultants, our physicians provide individualized care for EoE. If you or someone you love needs help managing eosinophilic esophagitis in Houston, TX, contact our practice to request an appointment.

As cases of asthma and allergies have seen an uptick in recent years, the number of individuals being diagnosed with EoE has also risen. Some of the common causes of EoE are:

  • Chest pain or abdominal pain
  • Esophageal damage (esophageal inflammation might lead to scarring of the tissue and esophageal narrowing)
  • Allergic response (to food, pollen, etc.)
  • Impaction and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing, or having food become stuck in the esophagus)

A portion of the risk factors related to a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis involve:

  • Family history of EoE
  • Geography (individuals who live in cold, dry conditions have a greater likelihood of being diagnosed)
  • Season (people are more likely to be diagnosed with EoE during times of increased levels of pollen and other allergens)
  • Asthma and allergies
  • Males are more likely to suffer from EoE

The symptoms associated with eosinophilic esophagitis may differ between children and adult patients. The primary symptoms for adults may include:

  • No response to acid reflux medication
  • Food blocking the esophagus when eating
  • Persistent or occasional acid reflux
  • Pain in the chest
  • Pain in the upper stomach
  • Struggle with swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Cough

The main symptoms for children can include:

  • Pain in the stomach or abdomen
  • Difficulty eating (children)
  • Poor growth, unexplained loss of weight, malnutrition
  • Vomiting
  • Impaction (food blockage in the esophagus)
  • Struggles feeding (infants)
  • Dysphagia

If you or your child are dealing with these symptoms in any combination, or require over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medication more often than twice a week, contact us to request an appointment with a Gastroenterology Consultants gastrointestinal provider immediately.

Treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis with our Houston, TX GI specialists mostly focuses on addressing the associated symptoms. In the event that you are managing symptoms resulting from food allergies. your gastroenterologist will likely suggest that you abstain from the consumption of triggering foods. Patients are commonly directed to adhere to the six-food elimination diet (SFED), holding out wheat, milk, eggs, nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish from their diet for some indicated amount of time. Symptoms during this time are examined closely, and individual foods are slowly reintroduced to the diet to identify which foods are triggering the response. Certain medications may be prescribed such as a proton pump inhibitor or topical steroids. If symptoms continue to persist, your physician may recommend esophageal dilation. Dilation is a treatment to help stretch your esophagus to lessen difficulty when swallowing.

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If you or a loved one are burdened by the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis, expert help and care are available through the skilled providers at Gastroenterology Consultants. Our board-certified GI physicians apply a patient-centric approach to manage and treat conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis and improve your health and well-being. To connect with a provider who is experienced in treatment for EoE in Houston, TX, please connect with our team as soon as you can.

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