Eosinophilic Esophagitis | ACG Patients

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Eosinophilic Esophagitis

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Overview

What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (also known as EoE) is a disease characterized by the presence of a large number of a special type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, that can cause inflammation in the esophagus. This inflammation can lead to stiffening or narrowing of the esophagus, which can lead to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or food getting stuck in the esophagus. Reflux of stomach acid contents into the esophagus can also cause eosinophils as well as inflammation in the esophagus. In EoE, the eosinophils are present even after acid reflux has been treated. Although eosinophils may be found in the rest of the gastrointestinal tract in a healthy person, when present in the esophagus, this usually suggests an abnormal condition. While other illnesses such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), parasitic diseases or inflammatory bowel disease may cause eosinophils in the esophagus, EoE is the most common cause of large numbers of eosinophils in the esophagus.

How common is EoE in adults?

While EoE was previously thought to be a rare disease, it has recently been recognized as one of the most common causes of difficulty swallowing and food impaction in young adults. This has become a global trend with increased cases of EoE being reported from five continents. The cause for this rise is likely a combination of increasing occurrences of EoE and a growing awareness of the condition among gastroenterologists, allergists and pathologists. It is thought that the disease may be increasing similar to the increases seen in other allergic disorders such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Estimated occurrences of this condition in adults may be as high as 1-3 per 10,000 people, based on information from patients in Australia and Switzerland. Although some studies suggest that the disease is more common in the Caucasian population, cases have been seen in patients of African American, Asian and Hispanic descent. EoE affects males three times more often than females.