Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Updated Perspectives on an Emerging Condition

Abstract

Once thought to be an uncommon disease, the number of cases of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) are rapidly increasing, affecting patients across the age, gender, and ethnic spectrum. EoE is an allergy-induced disease process that affects the cellular makeup of the esophagus, which in turn causes inflammation and fibrosis within the esophagus. EoE can cause chest pain, dysphagia, food bolus impaction, and a failure to thrive (FTT) in adolescents. EoE is currently treated with diet modification, and by swallowing topical corticosteroids. Advanced EoE, may result in esophageal remodeling that requires physical intervention, in order to maintain swallowing functionality. New drug therapies and genetic research are being explored, in the search to find treatments that address both the symptomology and histology of EoE.