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Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)

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What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)?

What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) is inflammation (swelling) of the esophagus that happens as a reaction to proteins in certain foods.

People with EOE have a build-up of white blood cells called "eosinophils" in the esophagus—the tube connecting the mouth with the stomach—causing trouble swallowing and other symptoms. Any part of the esophagus may be affected. While there is no cure for EOE, with proper treatment, you can live a healthy and comfortable life.

Signs & Symptoms of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Symptoms

Eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms may differ from person to person and also between infants, children, and adults. Doctors at NewYork-Presbyterian, including gastroenterologists, can help you relieve your symptoms by matching you with the most effective treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Infants with EOE symptoms may experience:

  • Difficulty feeding
  • Poor weight gain and growth
  • Reflux (spitting up) that does not respond to medication
  • Trouble sleeping

Symptoms of EOE in children may include the same symptoms, as well as:

  • Poor appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Trouble swallowing

EOE symptoms in adults may include:

  • Difficulty swallowing and a feeling of food stuck in the throat
  • Heartburn
  • Upset stomach or vomiting

What Causes EOE?

Causes

Medical professionals are not sure what may cause or trigger EOE.

More to explore

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

In addition to having environmental and food allergies, other factors can increase your risk of developing EOE, including:

  • Family history. EOE can be hereditary. Having relatives with EOE raises the chance that you may experience it, too.
  • Gender. EOE is more common in men than women.
  • Other conditions. People with conditions such as asthma and eczema have a greater risk of EOE.

Complications

Complications

Effective treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis can reduce your risk of complications, some of which may require an emergency endoscopy procedure to relieve an obstruction.

Possible complications of EOE include:

  • Narrowing of the esophagus (strictures) with formation of scar tissue
  • Food getting stuck in the esophagus (impaction)
  • Damage to the esophageal tissue, such as perforations or tears
 

This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.

Julian Adin Abrams, MD

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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Eosinophilic Esophagitis Care

NewYork-Presbyterian has teams of healthcare professionals with exceptional experience caring for people with eosinophilic esophagitis. We work with you to identify the triggers of your symptoms and find a treatment that relieves them.

Make an appointment with one of our EOE doctors so you can start enjoying a better quality of life.