Trouble Swallowing? It Could Be Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Difficulty Swallowing? Constant Heartburn? It May Be More Serious Than You Think

Eosinophilic Esophagitis - What Is It?

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune disease which can cause extreme gastrointestinal illness.

Eosinophilic esophagitis occurs when your body has an allergic reaction to certain food, allergens or acid reflux.

During this reaction, eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) multiply in your esophagus and produce a protein which causes inflammation.

Inflammation of the esophagus often leads to scarring and the build up of extra fibrous tissue growth in the lining of your esophagus.

A damaged esophagus can most frequently make it difficult to swallow and can even prohibit your food from being swallowed completely.

What Are the Symptoms?

Eosinophilic esophagitis has become more prevalent during the past decade.

Symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis include:

·        Reoccurring heartburn

·        Upper stomach pain

·        Unsuccessful response to GERD medications

·        Regurgitation of undigested food

·        Difficulty swallowing

·        Food getting stuck in your esophagus after swallowing

·        Centrally located chest pain

·        Unsuccessful antacid use for chest pain

Children Also Suffer from Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Please call your child’s healthcare physician if he or she presents with any of the following symptoms:

·        Vomiting

·        Difficulty swallowing or eating

·        Difficulty feeding in infant children

·        Stomach pain

·        Food getting stuck in the esophagus after swallowing

·        Poor growth

·        Malnutrition

·        Weight loss

When to See a Doctor About Eosinophilic Esophagitis

If you or your child is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or if you take over the counter medications for heartburn more than twice per week, please call your doctor today to schedule an appointment.

It is especially important to contact a doctor if you are also experiencing chest pain (especially if also accompanied by arm or jaw pain, or shortness of breath) as this may indicate signs of a heart attack.

Call Bowie Internal Medicine Associates today to schedule an appointment at (301)262-8188.