Eosinophilic Esophagitis Specialist

What is eosinophilic esophagitis?

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune system disorder in which white blood cells build up in the lining of your esophagus. This buildup can cause inflammation and esophageal injuries, leading to food getting stuck in your esophagus. It can also cause swallowing problems (dysphagia) and other digestive system disorders.

What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?

If you have eosinophilic esophagitis, you could experience any of the following symptoms:

• Problems swallowing
• Regurgitation
• Chest pain
• Food getting stuck in your esophagus

Complications associated with untreated eosinophilic esophagitis include scarring, narrowing, tearing, and other damage to your esophagus.

What are the risk factors for eosinophilic esophagitis?

While eosinophilic esophagitis can happen to anybody, certain things boost your risk of developing it. Examples include living in a cold or dry climate, being male, suffering from seasonal allergies or asthma, and having a family history of eosinophilic esophagitis.

How does my provider diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis?

To find out if you have eosinophilic esophagitis or GERD and develop a treatment plan, your GI specialist will suggest blood tests, undergoing an upper endoscopy to view the inside of your esophagus and/or a tissue biopsy.

They might recommend that you undergo an esophageal sponge test. For this test, you swallow a capsule attached to a string that releases a sponge. Your doctor can pull the sponge out through your mouth to analyze samples of your esophagus.

What are my treatment options?

Your personalized eosinophilic esophagitis treatment plan can include any of the following:

Lifestyle changes

Your doctor can recommend lifestyle changes to reduce the heartburn associated with eosinophilic esophagitis. Examples of these changes include maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and avoiding foods and drinks that trigger heartburn. You should consider elevating your head at night when you sleep.

Medications

Your specialist could suggest that you take medicines to ease the unpleasant symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Dilation

Your GI doctor could recommend that you undergo dilation (stretching the esophagus) to make swallowing easier.

Don’t live with the heartburn, swallowing difficulties, and other unpleasant symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. Schedule an appointment by phone or book online with North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC today.