Eosinophilic esophagitis is a condition in which a specific type of white blood cells known as eosinophils accumulate in the esophagus.
It can lead to pain, trouble in swallowing, acid reflux, and damage to the esophagus. The risk of developing eosinophilic esophagitis is more common in males than females.
This condition is a result of an immune response to chronic allergies of the esophagus from allergens such as food, pollens, environmental changes (climatic change), and genetic.
Multiplication of eosinophils in the esophagus produces inflammatory proteins, which also cause allergic reactions. It is rare and affects around 1 in 1000 children and 1-3 in 10,000 adults at a global level.
However, signs and symptoms differ in children and adults.
Signs and symptoms in children may include eating and drinking problems, weight loss, vomiting, stomach or abdominal pain, non-responsive to GERD medication, poor growth and malnutrition.
Adults may complain about trouble in swallowing, difficulty in passing food to the stomach, chest pain, non-responsive to antacids, heartburn, pain in the upper abdomen and backflow of undigested food (regurgitation).
In some cases, allergic reactions can cause inflammation and tissue damage in the inner esophageal lining. Seek a medical intervention immediately.
Treatment:
Treatment includes proton pump inhibitors (PPI). One may also rely on natural treatments like herbal remedies and relaxation therapies follow a healthy diet and lifestyle.