SWALLOWING DIFFICULTIES:
EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS?
SWALLOWING DIFFICULTIES:
EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS?
SWALLOWING
DIFFICULTIES:
EOSINOPHILIC
ESOPHAGITIS?
FAQ
The diagnosis of EoE must always be made by a specialist, i.e. a gastroenterologist. S/he will take a detailed history and then carry out an endoscopic examination of the oesophagus. A number of biopsies (small tissue samples) will be taken during the procedure and then examined under the microscope. You need to speak to your doctor if you experience any of the characteristic symptoms or notice them in a loved one. S/he can then refer you to a specialist for further investigations.
EoE is not curable, but there are some effective ways of slowing down the progression of the disease and may even reverse some of the inflammatory changes in the oesophagus. Your doctor will discuss the available options with you.
EoE is a chronic condition related to the immune system and cannot be prevented. We still don’t know how exactly EoE develops. However, there are some indications that it runs in families and that there is a genetic predisposition. Treatment cannot start until you experience symptoms and obtain a diagnosis through your specialist.
Although there is probably a genetic predisposition, we don’t know enough yet to be certain whether or not it can be inherited by your children.
Men are three times more likely to develop EoE than women.
We still don’t know exactly what triggers EoE, but there are strong indications that it is caused by food or airborne allergens, together with some other factors (e.g. environment, genes etc.)
Your doctor is a good first port of call for any questions you have about EoE. You can also find out more on this website. We are currently in the process of developing more services to support EoE patients and their families to live well with the condition.