Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Arizona
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Find a ProviderWhat is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease of the esophagus where the esophagus becomes inflamed. White blood cells called eosinophils build up in the lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation (esophagitis). This white blood cell buildup is typically caused by excessive acid reflux or an allergic reaction to food and allergens. This disease can impact anyone of any age, but it is most common in young Caucasian males, who account for about 75% of cases. If you suspect or are diagnosed with EoE, then contact your expert gastroenterologists at Arizona Digestive Health. We have providers who treat EoE in Phoenix, AZ.
What are the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The rise in asthma and allergies has led to an increase in persons being diagnosed with EoE. A few of the common causes of EoE include:
- Dysphagia and impaction - difficulty swallowing, or food stuck in the esophagus
- Allergic reaction to foods or pollens
- Esophageal damage
A few of the factors that put a person at risk of being diagnosed for EoE are:
- Environment - Persons living in colder and dryer climates are more likely to get diagnosed
- Season of the year - Diagnosis is more likely when allergens are high
- Being male
- Having allergies and asthma
- Genetics - if a family member is diagnosed with EoE, it is more likely you will also be diagnosed
What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
Symptoms of EoE vary between adults and children. The major symptoms that adults exhibit include:
- Acid reflux that does not respond to medication
- Upper stomach pain
- Coughing
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Food getting lodged in the esophagus while eating
Symptoms that children may exhibit include:
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Poor growth and weight loss
- Food getting stuck in the esophagus
- Difficulty feeding (infants)
- Difficulty eating (children)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
If you or your child are exhibiting any of these listed symptoms, contact Arizona Digestive Health. Our physicians treat EoE in Phoenix, AZ with the latest in innovative treatment techniques.
What are the treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis?
How your EoE is treated will depend on your symptoms and the cause for them. Should you be experiencing EoE because of food allergies, your provider at Arizona Digestive Health will likely recommend you eliminate trigger foods from your diet. We advise following a six-food eliminated diet (SFED) that excludes wheat, milk, eggs, nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish from the diet for a period of time. During this time, you and your provider will monitor your symptoms closely and as individual foods are slowly added back into the diet, the trigger foods can typically be identified. Sometimes EoE is treated with medications such as topical steroids or a proton pump inhibitor. Should symptoms persist, your provider may recommend esophageal dilation, which is a treatment that stretches the esophagus to make swallowing easier.
The latest in treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis
Should you or someone close to you suffer from eosinophilic esophagitis, you can locate skilled assistance through Arizona Digestive Health, which is partnered with the nation's leading physician-led network of gastroenterologists. Our board-certified providers take a patient-centric approach to treating and managing conditions such as EoE. In order to have the latest in treatment techniques and technologies, contact our location in Phoenix, AZ and let us help you live in optimal health.
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