6 Treatment Options for EoE
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a condition where white blood cells called eosinophils build up in the esophagus, causing inflammation. This can lead to pain, difficulty swallowing and food getting stuck in the throat.
1. Elimination Diet
One of the most effective ways to treat EoE is by avoiding foods that trigger it. An elimination diet helps you find out which foods are causing your symptoms. The process involves removing common allergens like dairy, wheat, soy, eggs, nuts and seafood from your diet. After removing these foods for a few weeks, you slowly add them back one by one to see which ones cause problems.
If a specific food is found to be the trigger, you can avoid it permanently to prevent symptoms. This treatment requires the help of a doctor or dietitian to make sure you are still getting all the nutrients you need while avoiding certain foods.
2. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are medicines that reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. While they are usually used to treat acid reflux, they can also help with EoE. PPIs reduce inflammation in the esophagus, which can improve symptoms like trouble swallowing and chest pain.
PPIs are easy to take, usually once a day, and are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. However, they don’t work for everyone, and some people may need to try other treatments if PPIs don’t help.
3. Topical Steroids
Topical steroids are another treatment option for EoE. These steroids help reduce the number of eosinophils in the esophagus, which lowers inflammation. Unlike steroids taken for other conditions, topical steroids for EoE are usually swallowed rather than inhaled. This helps get the medicine directly to the esophagus.
Doctors often prescribe swallowed steroids like fluticasone or budesonide. These medicines are usually taken for a few weeks or months, depending on the severity of the condition. Most people see improvement in their symptoms with this treatment, but some may need to continue using steroids for long-term management.
4. Esophageal Dilation
In severe cases, EoE can cause the esophagus to become narrow. This makes it difficult for food to pass through, leading to frequent choking or food getting stuck. Esophageal dilation is a procedure that can help widen the esophagus.
During this procedure, a doctor gently stretches the esophagus using a special tool. This can make it easier to swallow and can provide relief for those with more serious symptoms. While dilation doesn’t treat the underlying inflammation of EoE, it can help improve quality of life, especially for those who struggle with eating.
5. Biologics
Biologics are a newer type of treatment for EoE. These medicines target specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation. Unlike other treatments that reduce symptoms across the whole body, biologics focus on the exact problem area, in this case, the esophagus.
One example of a biologic that is being studied for EoE is dupilumab. This medicine helps block the cells that cause eosinophils to build up in the esophagus. Biologics may become a more common treatment for EoE as more research is done.
6. Allergy Testing and Immunotherapy
Since many people with EoE also have food or environmental allergies, allergy testing can be useful. Once you know what you’re allergic to, you can avoid those triggers. In some cases, immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may help reduce the body’s reaction to allergens.
Immunotherapy helps the body become less sensitive to the things you are allergic to. Over time, this can reduce symptoms of EoE and make it easier to eat a wider variety of foods.
Healing the Esophagus
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a challenging condition, but with the right treatment, symptoms can be managed. Whether it’s through diet changes, medications or procedures like esophageal dilation, there are many options for relief. Each person with EoE may respond differently to treatments, so it’s important to work closely with your doctor to find the best plan for you.
While EoE doesn’t have a cure, managing the condition with these treatments can improve your quality of life and help prevent serious complications like food impaction or severe inflammation. By staying on top of your treatment plan, you can lead a healthy and comfortable life despite having EoE.
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