Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Medical Author: Dennis Lee, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
What is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition in which the wall of the
esophagus becomes filled with large numbers of eosinophils.
The esophagus is the muscular
tube that propels swallowed food from the mouth into the stomach.
Esophagitis refers to inflammation of the esophagus that has several causes. The most
common cause of esophagitis is acid reflux which most frequently results in heartburn, though acid reflux also can
cause ulcers on the inner lining of the esophagus. Other less common causes of
esophagitis include viruses (such as herpes simplex), fungi (such as Candida),
medications that get stuck in the esophagus (such as the antibiotic,
tetracycline), and radiation (such as for treatment of lung cancer). Doctors
believe that eosinophilic esophagitis is a type of esophagitis that is caused by
allergy just like asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis
even though the exact substance that is causing the allergy is not known. The
hallmark of eosinophilic esophagitis is the presence of large numbers of
eosinophils in the tissue just beneath the inner lining of the esophagus.
Eosinophils are white blood cells (leukocytes) manufactured in the bone marrow
and are one of many types of cells that actively promote inflammation. They are
particularly active in the type of inflammation caused by allergic reactions.
Thus, large number of eosinophils can accumulate in tissues such as the
esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, and sometimes in the blood when
individuals are exposed to an allergen. The allergen(s) that causes eosinophilic
esophagitis is not known. It is not even known whether the allergen is inhaled
or ingested. Eosinophilic esophagitis is more common among individuals with
other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, allergic
rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.
Eosinophilic esophagitis affects both children and adults. For unknown reasons,
men are more commonly affected than women, and it is most commonly found among
young boys and men.
This article primarily deals with the diagnosis and
management of swallowing problems (dysphagia), the most common complication in adults with eosinophilic
esophagitis.
Next: What are eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms? »
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