Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Hattiesburg, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammatory disease of the esophagus. When a specific kind of white blood cell known as an eosinophil accumulates in the lining of the esophagus, the esophagus will become swollen (causing esophagitis). The buildup of these white blood cells is usually a side effect of acid regurgitation or a reaction to food and allergens. EoE has been known to affect patients of every age. However, it is seen more often by younger, male Caucasians, who make up approximately 75% of cases. At Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC, our specialists provide individualized treatment for this condition. If you are seeking treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis in Hattiesburg, MS, contact a location near you to request a consultation for treatment.
What are some of the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The amount of people being diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis has been increasing at a rapid rate, relative to the increase in asthma and allergies. Some of the common causes of EoE include:
- Dysphagia and impaction (difficulty swallowing, or having food become lodged in the esophagus)
- Allergic reaction (to pollen, food, etc.)
- Esophageal damage (inflammation of the esophagus might result in scarring of the tissue and esophageal narrowing)
- Abdominal or chest pain
Some risk factors related to a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis include:
- Being male (males are more likely to suffer from EoE)
- Geographic location (individuals living in dry, cold conditions have a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with EoE)
- Season (people are more likely to receive a diagnosis of EoE during times of higher levels of pollen and other allergens)
- Asthma and allergies
- Genetics (if someone in your family has EoE, you are more likely to be diagnosed with it as well)
To discuss your personal risk factors or to learn more about EoE, contact Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC to speak with one of our skilled GI specialists.
What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
Symptoms of EoE for adults and children can differ slightly. The typical symptoms in adults will include:
- Upper stomach pain
- No response to acid reflux medication
- Chest pain
- A cough
- Food getting stuck in your esophagus during eating
- Acid reflux
- Struggle with swallowing (dysphagia)
The usual symptoms in children may include:
- Stomach and abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Poor growth, unexplained weight loss, malnutrition
- Struggles with feedings (infants)
- Difficulty eating (children)
- Trouble swallowing
- Impaction (food blockage in the esophagus)
If you or a member of your family are experiencing these symptoms in any combination, or you require over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medication more frequently than twice a week, reach out and request a consultation with a Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC gastroenterologist immediately.
What are the treatment options for EoE?
Treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis through our Hattiesburg, MS providers mainly works to manage the condition's symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms as a result of food allergies, your provider will commonly suggest that you refrain from consuming triggering foods. People are commonly directed to abide by the six-food elimination diet (SFED), excluding wheat, milk, eggs, nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish from their diet for an indicated amount of time. Symptoms are monitored carefully, and specific foods are carefully reintroduced to the diet to determine which foods are responsible for the response. Specific medications may be prescribed, for example, topical steroids or a proton pump inhibitor. If symptoms fail to resolve, your provider could suggest esophageal dilation. Esophageal dilation is a procedure to help stretch the diameter of your esophagus to lessen difficulty when swallowing.
Find personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis
If you are living with eosinophilic esophagitis, expert help and compassionate care are available from the skilled specialists at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC. Our board-certified gastroenterology providers apply a patient-centric approach to manage and treat problems like eosinophilic esophagitis and optimize your overall health. To connect with a provider who specializes in EoE treatments in Hattiesburg, MS, please contact a location near you today.
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