Eosinophilic Esophagitis in New Orleans, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammatory disease of the esophagus. If a specific kind of white blood cell called an eosinophil accumulates in the esophageal lining, the esophagus can become swollen (resulting in esophagitis). The accumulation of these white blood cells is most often a response to acid regurgitation or an allergic reaction to allergens or food. EoE can be a concern for people of any age, however, it is suffered more often by younger, male Caucasians, who make up about 75% of occurrences. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our specialists provide individualized treatment for EoE. If you or someone you love is dealing with eosinophilic esophagitis in New Orleans, LA, contact us to request a treatment consultation.
What are the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The number of people receiving a diagnosis of EoE has been significantly increasing, relative to the uptick in asthma and allergies. Some of the most common causes of EoE include:
- Damage to the esophagus (esophageal inflammation may lead to tissue scarring and esophageal narrowing)
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Impaction and dysphagia (problems swallowing, or having food become lodged in the esophagus)
- Allergic reaction (to pollen, food, etc.)
Some of the risk factors associated with a diagnosis of EoE are:
- Geography (people who live in cold, dry conditions have a greater likelihood of being diagnosed)
- Time of year (you are more likely to receive a diagnosis of 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)
- Being male
- Asthma and allergies
What are some of the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The symptoms of EoE may differ slightly for children and adults. The main symptoms for adults will include:
- Pain in the upper stomach
- Pain in the chest
- Food getting stuck in the esophagus while eating
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Persistent or occasional acid reflux
- A cough
- No response to acid reflux medication
The most common symptoms in children might include:
- Dysphagia
- Vomiting
- Poor growth, weight loss, malnutrition
- Struggles eating (in children)
- Pain in the abdomen or stomach
- Impaction (food blockage in the esophagus)
- Struggles with feedings (infants)
If you or a family member are suffering from any combination of these symptoms, or take over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medication more than two times per week, request an appointment with a Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates gastroenterologist near you today.
What are the treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis?
Treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis through our New Orleans, LA providers primarily works to treat the condition's symptoms. If you are suffering symptoms related to food allergies your provider will most commonly request that you abstain from eating triggering foods. Patients are often encouraged to abide by the six-food elimination diet (SFED), removing wheat, milk, eggs, nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish from their diet for a certain amount of time. Symptoms during this time are examined closely, and specific foods are slowly reintroduced to the diet to pinpoint which foods are causing the response. Certain medications might be prescribed like topical steroids or a proton pump inhibitor. If symptoms continue to persist, your provider might recommend esophageal dilation. Esophageal dilation is a procedure to assist in the stretching of the diameter of your esophagus to create ease when swallowing.
Personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis
If you are suffering from eosinophilic esophagitis, you can find expert help and compassionate care through the skilled specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our experienced gastrointestinal providers take a patient-focused approach to manage and treat conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis and improve your health. To consult with a provider who offers EoE treatments in New Orleans, LA, please reach out to a practice near you as soon as possible.
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Dr Reiss had been a great doctor from the time I started seeing him years ago. He is very informative and has a great bedside manor and has been very successful in diagnosing and resolving my issues with Eosinophilic Esophagitis.
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