Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE or EoE) is an allergic reaction in the esophagus usually triggered by allergens, such as dust, mites, germs, and certain foods. During an episode, the immune system releases white blood cells called eosinophils. These cells cause the esophagus to become inflamed, so it cannot contract properly. Over time, the esophagus becomes narrow, developing abscesses or rings. As this happens, certain warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis become evident.

Warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis
In most cases, the early signs are similar to other health problems like reflux and GERD. The signs start showing up only when the inflammation of the esophagus becomes severe. Often, the symptoms are more severe in children than in adults.

Signs in adults
The warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis in adults include:

Difficulty swallowing (also known as dysphagia)
Impaction or food getting stuck in the esophagus as it becomes narrow
Occasional mild to severe pain at the center of the chest that does not go away
Frequent regurgitation or backflow of undigested food

Signs in children
Parents may notice the following signs in children and infants:

Trouble feeding infants
Difficulty eating among children
Frequent instances of vomiting
Mild to severe abdominal pain
Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing (similar to adults)
Impaction or food getting stuck in the esophagus after swallowing
The ineffectiveness of GERD treatments
Failure to meet growth and developmental milestones

When should one consult a doctor?
Seeking expert attention is essential as soon as the warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis start to show. Visiting a doctor is especially important if one is experiencing the symptoms for the first time. It is helpful to consult a primary care doctor if one is experiencing mild to severe chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath or jaw or arm pain.

Management options for eosinophilic esophagitis
An excellent way to manage the condition is to first understand what’s causing the allergic reactions and then work toward avoiding the triggers. Allergens in food are a common culprit, so many patients consider following an elimination meal plan. It involves avoiding foods that are known to trigger the symptoms. Individuals usually avoid one triggering food at a time and wait to see whether the symptoms disappear. If the symptoms do not show up after stopping a particular food, it becomes evident that the eliminated food or food groups are the culprit. While this approach helps manage eosinophilic esophagitis, individuals should speak to an expert before trying it out. The professional can advise one on how to go about following an elimination meal plan safely.

Individuals should note that eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic relapsing disease. Also, most allergic reactions usually appear in a few days to a few weeks after exposure to the allergen. So, one must continue the management and treatment plans for a sustained period to understand which ones are really working. Along with elimination meal plans, doctors may suggest treatments for esophageal dilation. Patients should follow the expert’s advice to avoid complications and achieve the best outcome.