Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Louisiana
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Find a ProviderWhat is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease of the esophagus characterized by inflammation. Any time a specific type of white blood cell called an eosinophil builds up in the esophageal lining, the esophagus can swell (esophagitis). The accumulation of the white blood cells is usually a side effect of acid reflux or an allergic reaction to allergens or food. EoE has been known to be a concern for individuals of every age. However, it is seen more often in younger, male Caucasians, who make up about 75% of cases. At GastroGroup & Endocenter, our doctors provide individualized care for eosinophilic esophagitis. If you are dealing with eosinophilic esophagitis in Louisiana, reach out to our location to request a consultation.
What are the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The percentage of individuals being diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis has been significantly increasing with the rise in asthma and allergies. A sample of the more common culprits of EoE involve:
- Allergic reaction (to food, pollen, etc.)
- Chest pain or abdominal pain
- Esophageal damage (esophageal inflammation may lead to scarring of the tissue and narrowing of the esophagus)
- Impaction and dysphagia (a struggle with swallowing, or having food become lodged in the esophagus)
Some of the risk factors associated with being diagnosed with EoE involve:
- Geographic location (people living in dry, cold climates have a greater likelihood of being diagnosed)
- Being male
- Allergies and asthma
- Family history of EoE
- Time of year (you are more likely to be diagnosed with EoE in seasons with increased levels of pollen and other allergens)
What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
Symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis may differ slightly for children than adults. The usual symptoms in adults include:
- Food becoming impacted in your esophagus while eating
- Persistent or occasional acid reflux
- A lack of efficacy from acid reflux medication
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Chest pain
- Upper stomach pain
- A cough
The typical symptoms in children could include:
- Below average growth, weight loss, malnutrition
- Difficulty feeding (infants)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty eating (children)
- Vomiting
- Impaction (food getting stuck in the esophagus)
- Abdominal or stomach pain
If you or a member of your family are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, or need over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medication more than twice a week, reach out and request an appointment with a GastroGroup & Endocenter gastroenterologist today.
What are the treatment options for EoE?
The treatment for EoE in partnership with our Louisiana team primarily focuses on treating the condition's symptoms. If it's determined that you are experiencing symptoms related to food allergies, it's like our your gastroenterologist will have you abstain from the consumption of those foods. Patients are commonly asked to follow the six-food elimination diet (SFED), excluding shellfish, fish, soy, nuts, eggs, milk, and wheat from their diet for a specific period of time. Symptoms during this time are monitored closely, and individual foods are slowly added back into the diet to pinpoint which foods are to blame for the reaction. Certain medications could be prescribed such as topical steroids or a proton pump inhibitor. If symptoms persist, your physician might recommend esophageal dilation. This is a procedure that stretches your esophagus to help you to swallow.
Find personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis
If you are suffering from eosinophilic esophagitis, expert help and compassionate care are available from the skilled providers at GastroGroup & Endocenter. Our experienced gastroenterology providers apply a patient-focused approach to treat and manage problems such as eosinophilic esophagitis. To connect with a provider who offers EoE treatments in Louisiana, please connect with our office as soon as you can.
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