Abdominal painVomitingTrouble swallowingFood impactionPoor appetiteReflux that doesn’t improve with medicines

Poor appetite or growthFeeding problemsVomitingReflux that doesn’t improve with medicines

Prognosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Researchers are still learning about the prognosis and long-term effects of EoE.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) These drugs lessen acid production in the stomach and may reduce inflammation in the esophagus. But not all patients with EoE respond to PPIs.Topical steroids They can help control inflammation in the esophagus. You swallow the liquid steroid. The type of steroids doctors typically prescribe for EoE isn’t absorbed in the bloodstream, so you probably won’t experience side effects normally associated with steroids.

Dietary Therapies and Food Strategies

MilkWheatEggsSoyPeanuts and tree nutsFish and shellfish

Elimination diet For this plan, you eliminate certain foods or beverages for several weeks and add them one at a time to see which may be problematic. You might have an allergy test first to determine which foods to avoid.Elemental diet With this approach, you stop eating and drinking all proteins and consume an amino acid formula instead. If your symptoms go away, you might be able to add foods back one at a time to see if you can tolerate them. If you have difficulty drinking the formula or you’re not getting adequate nutrition, your doctor may place you on a feeding tube. Because this is such a difficult diet to follow, it’s rarely done.

Tomato sauceAlcoholFried or fatty foodsChocolateGarlicOnionMintCaffeine

RELATED: 12 Gluten-Free Desserts as Delicious as They Are Easy to Make RELATED: What to Eat and Avoid on a Plant-Based Diet, and a 14-Day Sample Menu

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Symptoms may crop up unexpectedly in social situations or at inopportune times, which could lead to embarrassment. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and keeping stress levels at bay may help you manage your symptoms and feel better overall.

Regular exerciseMeditationMassageYogaMusic therapy

Prevention of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

There’s no way to prevent EoE from developing, but there are effective strategies to manage your symptoms.

Damage to the esophagus Inflammation of the esophagus makes tearing or perforation more likely. This damage can occur when you get food stuck in your esophagus or as the result of an endoscopy.Narrowing or scarring of the esophagus When your esophagus narrows, it makes swallowing more difficult and puts you at risk of food impaction.Your doctor can stretch the narrowing with a procedure called dilation (mentioned above in the section on treatments), which can be done during an upper endoscopy.

Some conditions closely related to EoE include:

Favorite Orgs for Essential EoE Info

American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) APFED is a nonprofit that was started in 2001 by a group of mothers whose children had EoE. This organization is dedicated to improving the lives of patients and families living with EoE. They provide an array of education, awareness, advocacy, and support opportunities. Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease (CURED) CURED is committed to raising funds and increasing awareness for EoE and other eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases. To date, the organization has donated more than $5.5 million to research. EOS Network The EOS Network’s mission is to ensure that every person with an eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease receives a prompt, accurate diagnosis; the right treatment for them; and support to live with their condition. We especially love their recipes and cooking tips section for ideas on how to keep mealtimes interesting, even if you’re cutting out certain foods.

Favorite Professional Organizations for EoE

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) The AAAAI is a professional membership organization that includes more than 7,000 allergists and immunologists. On their site, you can take a quiz to see how much you know about EoE. We also like their Find an Allergist page, which helps you locate a qualified allergist or immunologist in your area. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology This professional organization promotes excellence in patient care. They provide credible information about EoE. We like their Ask the Allergist section, which gives answers to common questions asked by the public. American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) The ACG is comprised of a group of professionals that promote prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive disorders. Their site provides in-depth information about various digestive health topics, including EoE. International Eosinophil Society (IES) The IES is a group of scientists and clinicians who have an interest in eosinophil diseases. The organization was established to bring together scientists from around the world who are involved in eosinophil biology and eosinophil disorders research.

Favorite Online Support Networks

EOS Connections APFED’s online support community, EOS Connections, provides a platform for patients, caregivers, and family members to connect with others and share information. Additionally, you can find a list of local eosinophilic support groups on APFED’s page.

Favorite Resource for Diet Advice

University of Wisconsin (UW): Elimination Diet Patient Handout This handout, created by UW Integrative Health, provides a wealth of information about the elimination diet. We like the printable food diary chart for logging food and beverage consumption. Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) FARE works to improve quality of life for people with food allergies. Their site offers educational tools and research, including information about the elimination diet and U.S. laws and regulations regarding food allergies.

Favorite Blog for EoE

The EoE Guru This blog, written by a patient who has lived with EoE for 35 years, provides both personal accounts and educational information.

Favorite Patient-Centered Medical Conference

APFED’s EOS Connection APFED’s EOS Connection Patient Education Conference is an annual event where attendees can network with patients, families, and other community members, and learn about new resources and research.