Eosinophilic esophagitis

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Eosinophilic esophagitis (pronunciation: /ˌiː.əʊˌsɪn.əˈfɪl.ɪk ˌiːsəˈfædʒaɪtɪs/) is a chronic immune system disease.

Etymology

The term "eosinophilic esophagitis" is derived from three parts: "eosinophilic" refers to the type of white blood cell that is involved, "esophagus" is the part of the body that is affected, and "itis" is a suffix used in medical terminology to denote inflammation.

Definition

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, allergic inflammatory disease of the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. It occurs when a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, accumulates in the esophagus, leading to inflammation.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of EoE include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), food impaction, and persistent heartburn. Children may also experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and failure to thrive.

Causes

EoE is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is often associated with other allergic conditions, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of EoE involves endoscopy with biopsy to examine the esophageal tissue. Other tests may include blood tests, allergy testing, and esophageal manometry.

Treatment

Treatment options for EoE include dietary changes, medication, and in some cases, dilation of the esophagus.

Related Terms

External links

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