What is EoE?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition affecting the oesophagus (also known as the gullet or food pipe) whose origins and causes are not yet fully understood. This inflammation (as denoted by ‘…itis’) is characterised by the presence of a certain type of white blood cell in the lining of the oesophagus, the mucosa. These cells are called eosinophils and give the disease its name. Read more…

What are the symptoms of EoE?

The main symptom of EoE in adults is difficulty swallowing, also known as ‘dysphagia’. It feels as if food is stuck in your throat. Additionally, pain when swallowing (‘odynophagia’) can occur. Other possible symptoms include discomfort in the chest and, less often, in the lower part of the throat or the upper abdomen. In the worst-case scenario, EoE can lead to a piece of food actually getting stuck and cause an obstruction of the oesophagus. This is called food bolus impaction. Read more…

You should seek medical advice if you or a family member has experienced the symptoms described above for some time.

What are the symptoms of EoE?

The main symptom of EoE in adults is difficulty swallowing, also known as ‘dysphagia’. It feels as if food is stuck in your throat. Additionally, pain when swallowing (‘odynophagia’) can occur. Other possible symptoms include discomfort in the chest and, less often, in the lower part of the throat or the upper abdomen. In the worst-case scenario, EoE can lead to a piece of food actually getting stuck and cause an obstruction of the oesophagus. This is called food bolus impaction. Read more…

You should seek medical advice if you or a family member has experienced the symptoms described above for some time.

What treatments are available for eosinophilic esophagitis?

Three different treatment options are currently available: The first one is medication with locally acting steroid preparations, which reduce the inflammation, and proton pump inhibitors. The latter are usually used to inhibit the secretion of gastric acid. The second option involves special diets that avoid certain food allergens. The third option is dilation of the oesophagus with an endoscopic procedure. Read more…

Raising awareness of EoE
A chronic condition like eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) can cause some degree of emotional distress – especially if you have to make changes to your normal routine or experience embarrassment in public for instance due to changes you had to make to your diet and the extra care needed to avoid allergens. Many patients are worried that eating very slowly or incidents will not go unnoticed and avoid eating in public as a result. Learning about the illness and getting the right treatment is therefore very important. That will help you have a normal social life and improve your quality of life.