What exactly is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a persistent condition of the esophagus, the tube that delivers food from the mouth to the stomach (Figure 1). The lining of the esophagus interacts with proteins in food, or other substances that are swallowed, and becomes aggravated and inflamed.
Figure 1: Esophagus and stomach.

Doctors and scientists are still trying to fully understand the exact causes of EoE, but they know that it is linked to allergies, especially food allergies. It is known that people who already have allergies that cause conditions like asthma, hay fever or eczema are more likely to get EoE.

The link between conditions like allergies and EoE is provided by the immune system, where small immune cells move into tissues to help guard against infection. This happens even though the food that is eaten, the air that is breathed, is not harmful. The inflammation is not appropriate for the situation!

In EoE, white blood cells called eosinophils take part in inflammation, move into the lining of the esophagus, and cause discomfort and aggravation. Inflamed tissues can cause several different symptoms depending on the age of the patient and how long the esophagus has been inflamed.

References

  1. American College of Gastroenterology. Eosinophilic esophagitis. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://gi.org/topics/eosinophilic-esophagitis/
  2. National Organization of Rare Disorders. Eosinophilic esophagitis. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/eosinophilic-esophagitis/

Scientific Council

Neil M. Bressler, MD

James P. Gills Professor of Ophthalmology
Professor of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Baltimore, MD

A. Paul Chous, MA, OD, FAAO

Specializing in Diabetes Eye Care & Education, Chous Eye Care Associates
Adjunct Professor of Optometry, Western University of Health Sciences
AOA Representative, National Diabetes Education Program
Tacoma, WA

Steven Ferrucci, OD, FAAO

Chief of Optometry, Sepulveda VA Medical Center
Professor, Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University
Sepulveda, CA

Julia A. Haller, MD

Ophthalmologist-in-Chief
Wills Eye Hospital
Philadelphia, PA

Allen C. Ho, MD, FACS

Director, Retina Research
Wills Eye Hospital
Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology
Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
Philadelphia, PA

Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD

Director of Research, Retina Consultants of Houston
Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology
Blanton Eye Institute & Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, TX

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Patient & Caregiver Educational Resources

The RELIEF Patient Toolkit is a blindness prevention resource center for caregivers of infants who have been diagnosed with or those who are interested in educating themselves about retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Choose from the options below to learn more.

What Exactly is EoE?

What Exactly is EoE?

Learn about eosinophilic esophagitis and the role of inflammation in the disease.

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What Symptoms Can EoE Cause?

What Symptoms Can EoE Cause?

Explore the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis and how they differ by age.

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How are Patients Tested for EoE?

How are Patients Tested for EoE?

Understand the various tests available to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis.

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How is EoE Treated?

How is EoE Treated?

The RESTORE Patient Toolkit is a blindness prevention resource center for caregivers of infants who have been diagnosed.

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This activity is provided by Med Learning Group. This activity is co-provided by Ultimate Medical Academy/Complete Conference Management (CCM). This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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