Eosinophilic esophagitis is a rare chronic condition that affects the health of your upper gastrointestinal system and requires long-term treatment. At Apex Allergy and Asthma, allergy specialist Mark Stahl, DO, offers diagnostic testing for eosinophilic esophagitis and designs a care plan to manage the symptoms. Call one of the two Apex Allergy and Asthma offices in San Antonio, Texas, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation. You can also request an appointment online.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune system disease that causes white blood cells (eosinophils) to build up in your esophagus. This tube connects your throat to your stomach.
As a result of this eosinophil buildup, the lining of your esophagus can be damaged and inflamed, making it difficult for you to swallow.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is often the result of an allergic reaction to some foods and may share symptoms with acid reflux. Acid reflux causes stomach acids to flow back up into your esophagus.
In adults, eosinophilic esophagitis causes difficulty swallowing. Food can get stuck in the esophagus while you’re eating. Eosinophilic esophagitis can also cause chest pain and regurgitation (throwing up) of fluids and food.
In children, eosinophilic esophagitis causes:
You should seek immediate medical attention at a hospital emergency room if you experience shortness of breath or chest pain. These symptoms can also indicate that you’re having a heart attack.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or if you have persistent heartburn that you can’t relieve with over-the-counter medications, schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Apex Allergy and Asthma for eosinophilic esophagitis.
Once the Apex Allergy and Asthma providers confirm eosinophilic esophagitis, they personalize your treatment to help you feel better fast. Because the disease is chronic (long-lasting), your treatment also focuses on reducing the frequency of your eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms and their severity.
Your treatment plan can include:
If tests determine that you have allergies, you might need to eliminate certain foods from your diet. The Apex Allergy and Asthma providers can help you design a diet plan that reduces your exposure to known allergens while ensuring that you’re getting essential nutrients.
Acid-blocking medications are common medicines used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis. If your symptoms aren’t improving with acid blockers, you might need steroid medications to reduce inflammation in the esophagus.
To schedule a diagnostic evaluation of eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms, call the Apex Allergy and Asthma office nearest you today or book an appointment online.
