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What Is Eosinophillic Esophagitis?
Question: HEllo I am a 58 year old female who just got diagnosed with possible Eosinophillic Esophagitis- I had experienced 4 months of chronic and persistent cough- Acid reflux was suspected- But today I did an edoscopy and my physician said that there were also some White blood cells (Eosin) seen on the endoscopy. I am waiting on the pathology report- I am very worried about this disease . I noticed on the blogs that MOST people have dysphagia which I have NOT had at all. Could you explain this disease to me I am worried
Brief Answer:
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a form of allergic disease. Like how eczema is a form of skin allergy, asthma is a form of allergy involving lungs, eosinophilic esophagitis is a form of allergy affecting the esophagus (the food pipe).
It is more common in children. But these days it is diagnosed in adults also.
During the initial phase, it presents with heart burn and is most often misdiagnosed as acid reflux disease. But when there is no response to PPI medications, the doctor suspects it to be eosinophilic esophagitis.
During the later phase, the symptom would be more of dysphagia ( difficulty in swallowing) due to narrowing of esophagus.
The diagnosis is usually done with this history, endoscopy and biopsy. Biopsy will show increased eosinophils.
Treatent is with medications and dietary changes.
Steroids is the mainstay... In children elementary diet is also given.
For dysphagia, dilatation is done.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a form of allergic disease. Like how eczema is a form of skin allergy, asthma is a form of allergy involving lungs, eosinophilic esophagitis is a form of allergy affecting the esophagus (the food pipe).
It is more common in children. But these days it is diagnosed in adults also.
During the initial phase, it presents with heart burn and is most often misdiagnosed as acid reflux disease. But when there is no response to PPI medications, the doctor suspects it to be eosinophilic esophagitis.
During the later phase, the symptom would be more of dysphagia ( difficulty in swallowing) due to narrowing of esophagus.
The diagnosis is usually done with this history, endoscopy and biopsy. Biopsy will show increased eosinophils.
Treatent is with medications and dietary changes.
Steroids is the mainstay... In children elementary diet is also given.
For dysphagia, dilatation is done.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Dr-
I am just puzzled because I have NEVER had any allergies and my symptoms with this problem has only ever been a cough for four months. It frightens me to think that dysphagia could kick in. That's scary- Also scary to have to be on steroids the rest of my life. Also it confuses me that this condition is associated with food allergies- If it weren't for the cough , how would I even think this could be related to food. I have absolutely no problems swallowing or reactions to food
Also- the biopsy is not back yet- is acid reflux NOT part of this diagnosis- very puzzling
Also why is persistent cough never indicated as a symptom to EE....I am worried about the long term affects of steroids.
I am just puzzled because I have NEVER had any allergies and my symptoms with this problem has only ever been a cough for four months. It frightens me to think that dysphagia could kick in. That's scary- Also scary to have to be on steroids the rest of my life. Also it confuses me that this condition is associated with food allergies- If it weren't for the cough , how would I even think this could be related to food. I have absolutely no problems swallowing or reactions to food
Also- the biopsy is not back yet- is acid reflux NOT part of this diagnosis- very puzzling
Also why is persistent cough never indicated as a symptom to EE....I am worried about the long term affects of steroids.
Brief Answer:
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Eosinophilic esophagitis is not diagnosed yet.
You may not be even having it.
So lets wait for the histopathology report.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Eosinophilic esophagitis is not diagnosed yet.
You may not be even having it.
So lets wait for the histopathology report.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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