Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammatory ailment that can occur in the esophagus. When a specific kind of white blood cell (known as an eosinophil) accumulates in the lining of the esophagus, the esophagus can become swollen, causing esophagitis. The buildup of the white blood cells is usually a reaction to acid reflux or an allergic reaction to food or other allergens. EoE may be suffered by individuals of any age. However, it is more common in younger, Caucasian males, who account for about 75% of occurrences. At Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates , our specialists provide personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis. If you or someone you love needs help managing EoE in Lubbock, TX, call our practice to request a treatment consultation.
What are the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The medical community has seen a rise in the number of patients being diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, an increase some believe is connected to the rise in people with allergies or asthma. Some of the more common causes of EoE are:
- Esophageal damage (esophageal inflammation may lead to tissue scarring and narrowing of the esophagus)
- Allergic response (to food, pollen, etc.)
- Chest pain or abdominal pain
- Impaction and dysphagia (a struggle with swallowing, or having food become stuck in the esophagus)
A few of the risk factors associated with being diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis include:
- Family history of EoE
- Asthma and allergies
- Males are more likely to suffer from EoE
- Season (people are more likely to receive a diagnosis of EoE in seasons with increased levels of pollen and other allergens)
- Location where you live (people who live in cold, dry climates are more likely to be diagnosed)
What are some of the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
Symptoms of EoE can vary slightly depending on your stage of life. The primary EoE symptoms in adults include:
- Chest pain
- Food getting stuck in the esophagus while eating
- Cough
- Upper stomach pain
- Struggle swallowing (dysphagia)
- A lack of efficacy from acid reflux medication
- Acid reflux
The usual symptoms for children might include:
- Difficulty eating (children)
- Struggles with swallowing
- Impaction (food blockage in the esophagus)
- Poor growth, weight loss, malnutrition
- Vomiting
- Stomach and abdominal pain
- Difficulty with feedings (infants)
If you or a family member are suffering from any combination of these symptoms, or you require over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medication more frequently than twice a week, reach out and request a consultation with a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates GI provider as soon as possible.
How is eosinophilic esophagitis treated?
Our GI physicians in Lubbock, TX treat eosinophilic esophagitis with a focus on addressing the symptoms caused by the condition. If you are enduring symptoms resulting from food allergies, your physician will likely request that you abstain from consuming foods that trigger your symptoms. Individuals are often encouraged to abide by the six-food elimination diet (SFED), removing shellfish, fish, soy, nuts, eggs, milk, and wheat from their diet for a certain duration of time. Symptoms during this time are monitored carefully, and certain foods are carefully added back into the diet to conclude which foods are causing the response. Certain medications might be prescribed — for example, a proton pump inhibitor or topical steroids. If symptoms continue to persist, your doctor might recommend esophageal dilation. Esophageal dilation is a treatment to help stretch your esophagus to lessen difficulty when swallowing.
Personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis
The skilled providers at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates are proud to help our patients with treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis and a large variety of other gastrointestinal health issues. Our board-certified GI providers take a patient-centered approach to treat and help manage conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis and optimize your health and well-being. To consult with a provider who is experienced in EoE treatments in Lubbock, TX, please reach out to our team as soon as you can.
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