Eosinophilic esophagitis

What is eosinophilic esophagitis?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammation of the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach), caused by a specific white blood cell – the eosinophil. Nearly three-quarters of affected cases occur in white males. This is a relatively newly recognized disease that has been increasingly diagnosed in adults and children over the past decade.

Diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis

Currently, eosinophilic esophagitis is diagnosed by upper endoscopy and biopsy. The endoscopy sometimes reveals rings, white plaques (patches), or furrows in the esophagus; however, EoE may be present even if the esophagus looks normal. That’s why we take biopsy samples. Biopsy samples look for an overabundance of eosinophils in the esophageal tissue.

Outlook for patients with EoE

Based on what is known to date, eosinophilic esophagitis does not cause cancer of the esophagus and is not thought to limit life expectancy in any way. Current information suggests if left untreated, EoE may lead to esophageal narrowing over time.

Treatment at Penn Medicine

There are two main treatment approaches to eosinophilic esophagitis: steroid medications and dietary management. There is also a third approach for some patients, called esophageal dilatation.

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