Eosinophilic Esophagitis FAQ’s
Expand any section to see the answer / description
How Many Eosinophils Indicate an EoE Diagnosis?
Note: These 2 items (in addition to positive biopsy) must also be met to have a diagnosis of EoE from most doctors:
- Clinical symptoms of esophageal dysfunction (which is likely if you’re having a biopsy in the 1st place)
- Exclusion of other possible causes of esophageal eosinophilia (like PPI responsive eosinophilia or PPI-REE). If PPI treatment results in relief your doctor may not diagnose you with EoE.
Are EoE Symptoms Limited to the Esophagus?
Stomach pains, intestinal issues, allergic reactions in places other than the esophagus may more likely be caused by other conditions. The medical-defined symptoms of EoE are on our “Symptoms of EoE” page. If you have other serious symptoms they should be looked at by a doctor.
Why Do They Call EoE "Asthma of the Esophagus"?
An allergic reaction causes an infestation of eosinophil white blood cells (in both diseases), which causes inflammation and narrowing in the esophagus (EoE) and tightening in the lungs (Asthma). Because of the similar reaction, but in different places, EoE is the cousin of E-Asthma.
What Are Treatment Options for EoE?
- Diet – Controlling what you eat to eliminate allergens causing eosinophils
- Drugs – Swallowed Corticosteroids have proven effective for many in reducing inflammation in the esophagus (Budesonide or Fluticasone)
- Dilation – The most immediate relief for swallowing issues (dysphagia) is to have your esophagus “stretched”. It’s a relatively safe procedure done as outpatient surgery
See our “treatments” page for more details on all of these.
Are Allergy Tests Trustworthy?
Because of this, the ONLY true way to know what to exclude to solve your EoE is “experience”. Experience meaning you have to SEE improvement by excluding the thing that you suspect, and prove that it’s the right thing. Allergy tests CAN help you identify these triggers, by identifying things that might be triggers. But the tests themselves are not enough to determine your triggers.
We recommend getting skin AND blood allergy tests and try excluding the highest identified allergens and work down to the mediums while you determine what helps you by paying close attention to your condition and any improvement after excluding possible allergens.
Can EoE Be Seasonal or From Non-Food Allergies?
Yes and Yes. Seasonal changes can make symptoms worse in some patients. Some patients may have environmental allergies instead of food allergies (or both). Some studies have even shown that symptoms are worse, including more food impactions during higher pollution seasons.Â