Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Dallas, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is eosinophilic esophagitis?
There are multiple reasons why you might experience pain or swelling when swallowing. One cause can be eosinophilic esophagitis or (EoE), which is a condition of the esophagus characterized by inflammation. When a specific type of white blood cell referred to as an eosinophil accumulates in the lining of the esophagus, the esophagus can become swollen (causing esophagitis). The buildup of these white blood cells is usually a side effect of acid regurgitation or an allergic reaction to food and allergens. EoE can be a concern for individuals of any age. However, it is more common in younger, Caucasian males, who account for close to 75% of occurrences. At Digestive Health Associates of Texas, our gastroenterologists provide individualized treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis. If you or someone you love is seeking treatment for EoE in Dallas, TX, reach out to our location to request a consultation.
What are some of the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The percentage of individuals being diagnosed with EoE has been significantly increasing, likely corresponding to the uptick in asthma and allergies. A sample of the most common causes of EoE are:
- Damage to the esophagus (esophageal inflammation can lead to tissue scarring and esophageal narrowing)
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Impaction and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing, or having food become lodged in the esophagus)
- Allergic response (to food, pollen, etc.)
A portion of the risk factors associated with being diagnosed for EoE involve:
- Allergies and asthma
- Males are more likely to suffer from EoE
- Geographic location (people living in dry, cold conditions have a greater likelihood of being diagnosed])
- Time of year (people are more likely to be diagnosed with EoE during times of increased levels of pollen and other allergens)
- Genetics (if someone in your family has EoE, you are more likely to be diagnosed)
What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The symptoms of EOE for adults and children can differ slightly. The usual symptoms for adults often include:
- Upper stomach pain
- Food becoming impacted, or stuck, in your esophagus during eating
- Struggle with swallowing (dysphagia)
- Cough
- Persistent or occasional acid reflux
- Pain in the chest
- A lack of efficacy from acid reflux medication
The usual symptoms for children might include:
- Struggles with eating (children)
- Struggles feeding (infants)
- Stomach and abdominal pain
- Struggles with swallowing
- Impaction (food stuck in the esophagus)
- Below average growth, unexplained loss of weight, malnutrition
- Vomiting
If you or a family member are suffering from any combination of these symptoms, or require over-the-counter (OTC) medication for heartburn more than two times per week, contact us to request a consultation with a Digestive Health Associates of Texas GI provider as soon as possible.
How is eosinophilic esophagitis treated?
Treatment for EoE with our Dallas, TX providers primarily focuses on managing the symptoms of the condition. In the event that you are suffering symptoms resulting from allergies to foods, we commonly request that you refrain from consuming foods that trigger your symptoms. People are often directed to adhere to the six-food elimination diet (SFED), excluding shellfish, fish, soy, nuts, eggs, milk and wheat from their diet for some certain duration of time. Symptoms are monitored carefully, and specific foods are slowly reintroduced, with your provider's guidance, to the diet to determine which foods are resulting in the response. Some medications may be prescribed for example topical steroids or a proton pump inhibitor. If symptoms persist, your gastroenterologist may wish to try esophageal dilation, which is a treatment to help stretch the diameter of your esophagus to lessen difficulty when swallowing.
Personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis
If you are managing eosinophilic esophagitis, you can find expert help and compassionate care through the skilled physicians at Digestive Health Associates of Texas. Our experienced gastrointestinal providers apply a patient-centric approach to treat and help manage problems such as eosinophilic esophagitis and improve your overall health. To connect with a provider who specializes EoE treatments in Dallas, TX, please contact our team at your earliest convenience.
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The staff was very prompt...very friendly...helpful....thank you for your services for me
Ashley, Dr. Alvarez's PA was utterly amazing! She thoroughly explained my diagnoses, mapped out a clear plan for healing and gave me tips on how to live my best despite my digestive problems. She didn't "look down" on me when I explained the supplements I was taking as many physicians do. This, I greatly appreciated! The facility was clean, check-in was smooth and checking-out was a breeze as well. I highly recommend Dr. Alvarez and her staff!
I was treated with kindness, compassion, dignity, skill, and professionalism. I highly recommend Dr. Shea.
Dr. Brown and staff are extremely knowledgeable and professional. Everyone is eager to help answer questions and explain actions.
The best GI for the little... she always make you visit present. She take her time to understand the little one. She gives options and reasons for each... she do follow ups .. she very serious with her job.. you'll never regret for see her. She's owesome...My Baby was getting sick lots time, with rash and vomit.. Now she is doing well.
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