Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): Trouble Swallowing and Food Getting Stuck

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a long-term allergic condition in which white blood cells called eosinophils build up in the esophagus, the tube that carries food to the stomach. The inflammation can make the esophagus stiff and narrow. EoE is more common in people with allergies, asthma, or eczema.

Symptoms

• Trouble swallowing, especially meat, bread, or rice
• Food getting stuck (food impaction), sometimes needing emergency care
• Heartburn or chest pain that doesn't improve with antacids
• Eating slowly, cutting food into small pieces, or drinking a lot of water with meals

If food is stuck and you cannot swallow your saliva, go to the emergency room.

Diagnosis

EoE is diagnosed with an upper endoscopy (EGD) and biopsies. We may also look for and treat narrowing at the same time.

Treatment

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): help many patients
• Swallowed topical steroids: such as budesonide oral suspension (Eohilia), which coats the esophagus
• Dupixent (dupilumab): an injectable biologic FDA-approved for EoE
• Elimination diets: removing common trigger foods such as dairy and wheat, then adding them back one at a time
• Dilation: gently stretching narrowed areas during endoscopy

EoE usually needs ongoing treatment, and a repeat endoscopy shows whether the inflammation has healed.

Clinical trials coming soon

We are preparing to offer clinical trials for EoE. See our Clinical Trials page.

Make an appointment

Our gastroenterologists in Temple City care for patients from Arcadia, San Gabriel, Pasadena, Monrovia, Monterey Park, and across the San Gabriel Valley. We accept most PPO plans (see accepted insurances), and our doctors speak English, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. Schedule an appointment or call 626-898-4560.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own health.