Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is characterized by an isolated, severe eosinophilicinfiltration of the esophagus manifested by gastroesophageal reflux-like symptoms, but refractory to typical reflux therapies. This disorder has been given several names including eosinophilic esophagitis, allergic esophagitis, primary eosinophilic esophagitis, and idiopathic eosinophilic esophagitis.

Causes

EoE is caused by an abnormal immunologic response to specific antigens. In the vast majority of cases the antigens responsible are food antigens, although there appears to be a contribution from other environmental antigens in certain individuals.

Eosinophilic esophagitis can occur in all ages, but traditionally presents in younger patients with a male-to-female ratio of about 3:1.

Patients typically present with one or more of the following symptoms: vomiting, regurgitation, nausea, epigastric or chest pain, water brash, globus, and decreased appetite