Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent Symptoms in AdultsFrequent Symptoms in ChildrenRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to Seek Medical CareFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Eosinophilic Esophagitis GuideHow Eosinophilic Esophagitis Is Diagnosed

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Frequent Symptoms in Adults

Frequent Symptoms in Children

Rare Symptoms

Complications

When to Seek Medical Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Next in Eosinophilic Esophagitis Guide

Eosinophilic esophagitisis a rare chronic condition that affects the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, known as theesophagus. People who have eosinophilic esophagitis experience an overgrowth of eosinophils, which are white blood cells, inside the esophagus.

This article will describe the common symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. It will also explain when to call the doctor or seek emergency treatment.

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Woman touching chest in pain - stock photo

An Overview of Eosinophilia

The feeling of food becoming stuck in the throat is known asfood impaction. A 2020 study found that up to 50% of adults who seek treatment for food impaction are eventuallydiagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis.

Eosinophils and GERDIndividuals withgastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) also experience eosinophils in the lining of the esophagus.

Eosinophils and GERD

Individuals withgastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) also experience eosinophils in the lining of the esophagus.

When children experience eosinophilic esophagitis, their symptoms are slightly different from those in adults. Common symptoms in children include:

Children do not commonly experience food impaction, or a feeling of food becoming stuck in the throat. However, children over the age of 12 are more likely to present with adult-like symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis and are more likely to experience food impaction.

Eosinophilic esophagitis can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. When food becomes lodged in the esophagus, this is known as food impaction. Food impaction makes it impossible to eat or drink and must be treated right away. This is especially true if the impacted food feels as though it is blocking your airway as well.

Eosinophilic esophagitis can also cause chest pain. While this is a common symptom in adults, new-onset chest pain should never be ignored, as it could be a sign ofheart disease. Call your doctor right away if you are experiencing chest pain.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic condition and can lead to complications over time. Possible complications include:

When to See a Doctor/Go to the Hospital

See your doctor right away if you have developed symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. Your primary doctor will likely refer you to anallergistorgastroenterologistto diagnose and treat the condition. Eosinophilic esophagitis is considered to be a chronic condition. While it can bemanaged and controlled, there is no known cure.

See your doctor any time you are experiencing new-onset chest pain. Because this can be a sign of heart disease, it’s important to address it right away. If you have been experiencing symptoms like heartburn for two weeks, see your doctor to learn what is causing it.

Call 911 If You Are Having Trouble BreathingSeek emergency medical care if you feel like you cannot breathe or that food is blocking your airway. This is an emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Call 911 If You Are Having Trouble Breathing

Seek emergency medical care if you feel like you cannot breathe or that food is blocking your airway. This is an emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Summary

A Word From Verywell

Experiencing eosinophilic esophagitis may feel frightening at first, especially if you do not know why food is becoming stuck in your throat. If you have developed symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis, see your doctor and ask for a referral to an allergist or gastroenterologist. While there is no cure for this chronic immune disorder, diet changes and prescription medications can often manage it.

Eosinophilic esophagitis has been associated with food allergies and is often treated withelimination diets. Prescription medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the oral corticosteroid Eohilia (budesonide), or the monoclonal antibodyDupixent (dupilumab)may also be prescribed.If those treatment options are not effective, esophageal dilation may be recommended.Learn MoreHow Eosinophilic Esophagitis Is Treated

Eosinophilic esophagitis has been associated with food allergies and is often treated withelimination diets. Prescription medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the oral corticosteroid Eohilia (budesonide), or the monoclonal antibodyDupixent (dupilumab)may also be prescribed.If those treatment options are not effective, esophageal dilation may be recommended.

Learn MoreHow Eosinophilic Esophagitis Is Treated

The only way to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis is with an upperendoscopyand biopsy. This involves placing a tube with a light and a camera down the esophagus to examine the tissue. During the endoscopy, tissue samples are taken and examined under a microscope to look for eosinophils and signs of inflammation.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Part Food Allergy, Part Swallowing Disorder

9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Eosinophilic esophagitis.MedlinePlus.Eosinophilic esophagitis.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eosinophilic esophagitis: Symptoms, diagnosis & treatment.Gonsalves NP, Aceves SS.Diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020 Jan;145(1):1-7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.11.011Furuta GT, Katzka DA.Eosinophilic esophagitis.N Engl J Med. 2015 Oct 22;373(17):1640-8. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1502863O’Shea KM, Aceves SS, Dellon ES, Gupta SK, Spergel JM, Furuta GT, Rothenberg ME.Pathophysiology of eosinophilic esophagitis.Gastroenterology. 2018 Jan;154(2):333-345. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.06.065American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders.EoE.Reed CC, Dellon ES.Eosinophilic esophagitis.Med Clin North Am. 2019 Jan;103(1):29-42. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2018.08.009Feo-Ortega S, Lucendo AJ.Evidence-based treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis: Insights for the clinician.Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. January 2022. doi:10.1177/17562848211068665

9 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Eosinophilic esophagitis.MedlinePlus.Eosinophilic esophagitis.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eosinophilic esophagitis: Symptoms, diagnosis & treatment.Gonsalves NP, Aceves SS.Diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020 Jan;145(1):1-7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.11.011Furuta GT, Katzka DA.Eosinophilic esophagitis.N Engl J Med. 2015 Oct 22;373(17):1640-8. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1502863O’Shea KM, Aceves SS, Dellon ES, Gupta SK, Spergel JM, Furuta GT, Rothenberg ME.Pathophysiology of eosinophilic esophagitis.Gastroenterology. 2018 Jan;154(2):333-345. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.06.065American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders.EoE.Reed CC, Dellon ES.Eosinophilic esophagitis.Med Clin North Am. 2019 Jan;103(1):29-42. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2018.08.009Feo-Ortega S, Lucendo AJ.Evidence-based treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis: Insights for the clinician.Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. January 2022. doi:10.1177/17562848211068665

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Organization for Rare Disorders.Eosinophilic esophagitis.MedlinePlus.Eosinophilic esophagitis.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eosinophilic esophagitis: Symptoms, diagnosis & treatment.Gonsalves NP, Aceves SS.Diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020 Jan;145(1):1-7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.11.011Furuta GT, Katzka DA.Eosinophilic esophagitis.N Engl J Med. 2015 Oct 22;373(17):1640-8. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1502863O’Shea KM, Aceves SS, Dellon ES, Gupta SK, Spergel JM, Furuta GT, Rothenberg ME.Pathophysiology of eosinophilic esophagitis.Gastroenterology. 2018 Jan;154(2):333-345. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.06.065American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders.EoE.Reed CC, Dellon ES.Eosinophilic esophagitis.Med Clin North Am. 2019 Jan;103(1):29-42. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2018.08.009Feo-Ortega S, Lucendo AJ.Evidence-based treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis: Insights for the clinician.Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. January 2022. doi:10.1177/17562848211068665

National Organization for Rare Disorders.Eosinophilic esophagitis.

MedlinePlus.Eosinophilic esophagitis.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eosinophilic esophagitis: Symptoms, diagnosis & treatment.

Gonsalves NP, Aceves SS.Diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020 Jan;145(1):1-7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.11.011

Furuta GT, Katzka DA.Eosinophilic esophagitis.N Engl J Med. 2015 Oct 22;373(17):1640-8. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1502863

O’Shea KM, Aceves SS, Dellon ES, Gupta SK, Spergel JM, Furuta GT, Rothenberg ME.Pathophysiology of eosinophilic esophagitis.Gastroenterology. 2018 Jan;154(2):333-345. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.06.065

American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders.EoE.

Reed CC, Dellon ES.Eosinophilic esophagitis.Med Clin North Am. 2019 Jan;103(1):29-42. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2018.08.009

Feo-Ortega S, Lucendo AJ.Evidence-based treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis: Insights for the clinician.Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. January 2022. doi:10.1177/17562848211068665

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