Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is easily confused with reflux, but it is actually an allergic disease that leads to trouble swallowing, stomach pain, heartburn and throwing up. In the past, doctors have merely treated the symptoms of EoE, but AllergyEasy sublingual immunotherapy drops can target the underlying allergy, relieving uncomfortable symptoms long term.
What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
Eosinophils are white blood cells. Normally, people should not have eosinophils in their esophagus, but those with EoE have a high concentration of these cells in the tissues of the esophagus. They are part of an allergic response that leads to inflammation of the esophagus.
Eosinophilic esophagitis affects about 15,000 people. It is particularly prevalent in Caucasian males, though it can affect others. It can strike at any stage of life, but it often manifests differently depending on age:
- Babies with eosinophilic esophagitis may refuse to eat and have difficulty gaining weight. If EoE goes untreated in children, they may miss developmental milestones related to eating and develop serious feeding issues.
- Children with eosinophilic esophagitis may have trouble swallowing, complain of abdominal pain, and may vomit frequently.
- Teenagers and adults with eosinophilic esophagitis may have increased difficulty swallowing. This is because inflammation and resulting scar tissue can narrow the esophagus, causing food to become stuck or impacted.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis Treatment
Steroids and acid blockers are common eosinophilic esophagitis treatments, but they are only short-term solutions. For long-term relief, it is important to address the underlying allergy. Since food allergies often cause EoE, allergy drops are especially appropriate. (Drops have been shown to be safe and effective in treating food allergies where shots have not.) The drops also work for environmental allergies (pollen, mold, etc.) which are believed to contribute to EoE in some people.
Talk to your physician about an allergy test and allergy treatment program using sublingual allergy drops for environmental and/or food allergy treatment (depending on your specific allergies). Sublingual immunotherapy drops are appropriate for adult and child allergy treatment.
