Eosinophilic Esophagitis, an Emerging Gastrointestinal Disease
What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?
EoE is an allergic inflammatory condition of the esophagus that can cause difficulty in swallowing and heartburn, and in severe cases it can lead to food impaction (food getting stuck in the esophagus) and in children, a failure to thrive (poor growth or weight loss).
EoE is a disorder in which eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions, infiltrate the walls of the esophagus. This eosinophil infiltration leads to inflammation of the esophagus and is believed to cause tissue remodeling and fibrosis if left untreated. A variety of stimuli may trigger this allergic process, including certain foods and environmental allergens. Eosinophils are typically found in small quantities in the blood and intestinal tract and participate in maintaining its health. Eosinophilic disorders (whether of the esophagus, stomach, small or large intestine) occur when the cells accumulate in large quantities.