Eosinophilic esophagitis etc. can often be confused with stomach disorders because its symptoms are similar to those of reflux disease, which occurs when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus. Eosinophilic esophagitis, especially in connection with allergic reactions, genetic predisposition, environmental factors or food allergies play a role in the progression of this disease. The most important step in the treatment of such disorders is correct diagnosis.
What is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a type of inflammation of the esophagus that often occurs as a result of allergic reactions. This disease occurs when white blood cells called eosinophils accumulate on the lining of the esophagus as a result of allergic responses. Excessive accumulation of eosinophils causes inflammation in the esophagus, causing eosinophilic esophagitis.
This type of esophagitis; It can be triggered by foods such as milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts and seafood. These foods can cause inflammation to accumulate in the esophagus because they cause the immune system to react incorrectly. Eosinophilic esophagitis can be detected during endoscopy in the diagnosis process.
What causes eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis can be caused by:
- Eating right before bed,
- Some drugs,
- hiatal hernia,
- infections,
- allergies,
- Radiation,
- Consuming excessively large portions
- Preferring fatty foods,
- Smoke,
- Pregnancy and excessive weight gain,
- alcohol consumption,
- Consuming excessive caffeine and chocolate,
- being over 60 years old,
- spinal cord injuries,
- Family history of esophagitis.
What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The most common esophagitis symptoms can be listed as follows:
- Swallowing difficulties and pain during swallowing,
- Food getting stuck in the esophagus during swallowing,
- Pain behind the breastbone and in the back, especially when eating,
- Burning sensation accompanied by pain in the chest area,
- acid deficiency,
- Irritability,
- bad breath,
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- hoarseness,
- mouth sores,
- Indigestion and abdominal pain,
- Asthma,
- Inflammation of vocal cords,
- back hump,
- Feeding difficulties and reluctance to eat,
- Developmental delay in young children,
- weight loss,
- Cough,
- Headaches and muscle aches,
- Frequent attacks of vomiting and nausea.
How is eosinophilic esophagitis treated?
In the first stage of reflux esophagitis treatment, physicians generally prioritize lifestyle changes and symptom management. This process involves patients following an eosinophilic esophagitis diet, not lying down after eating, and managing their excess weight. It is also important to avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods. Along with these lifestyle changes, medical treatment options may also be an option. In treatment, medications aimed at neutralizing stomach acid or controlling acidic secretions may be prescribed. Surgical options may be considered for patients whose symptoms persist for a certain period of time despite treatment. These procedures generally aim to prevent stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus and are applied in severe cases. However, most reflux esophagitis conditions can be controlled with medication.