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Eosinophilic Esophagitis—Child

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Eosinophilic Esophagitis—Child

Definition

Eosinophilic esophagitis is swelling in the esophagus, the tube that moves food from the mouth to the stomach. The swelling can make it hard to swallow.

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Causes

Eosinophilic esophagitis is caused by a build up of eosinophils in the esophagus. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. They gather in tissue during an allergic reaction and cause swelling. Eosinophils should not be in the esophagus.

It is not clear why this happens. It is a problem with the immune system that may be a reaction to things in the air or an allergy to some food.

Risk Factors

The risk of eosinophilic esophagitis may be higher in people with:

Symptoms

A child may have:

  • A hard time swallowing
  • Food that gets stuck in the esophagus
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Poor weight gain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Belly ache
  • Burning in throat similar to heartburn

Babies may refuse to breastfeed or take a bottle

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

An endoscopy may be done. The doctor can use a scope to look at the esophagus. A sample of tissue may also be taken. The lab can look for signs of problems such as eosinophils.

A specialist may be needed for diagnosis or treatment. An immunologist focuses on allergies.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to manage the symptoms. Eosinophilic esophagitis cannot be cured. Ways to do this may include:

Prevention

Eosinophilic esophagitis cannot be prevented.

Find and Avoid Allergens

Some foods or allergens like mold, pollen, or dust can make swelling worse. Allergy tests can help find out what is causing problems. An elimination diet may help find what foods are making swelling worse. This type of diet should be done with the help of a dietitian or doctor.

Once allergens are known, steps can be taken to avoid or reduce contact with them. This can decrease swelling and other symptoms.

Find and Avoid Allergens

Some foods or allergens like mold, pollen, or dust can make swelling worse. Allergy tests can help find out what is causing problems. An elimination diet may help find what foods are making swelling worse. This type of diet should be done with the help of a dietitian or doctor.

Once allergens are known, steps can be taken to avoid or reduce contact with them. This can decrease swelling and other symptoms.

Medicine

Some medicines that may help ease symptoms are:

  • Steroids
  • Monoclonal antibodies

  • Proton pump inhibitors may also be given to ease any symptoms of GERD.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Dellon ES, Gonsalves N, et al; American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). ACG clinical guideline: Evidenced based approach to the diagnosis and management of esophageal eosinophilia and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Am J Gastroenterol. 2013; 108 (5): 679-692.
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website. Available at: https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/eosinophilic-esophagitis.
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/eosinophilic-esophagitis-in-children.
  • Lucendo, A.J., Molina-Infante, J., et al. Guidelines on eosinophilic esophagitis: evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and management in children and adults. United European Gastroenterology Journal, 2017; 5 (3): 335-358.
  • 7/27/2022 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/condition/eosinophilic-esophagitis-in-children: FDA approves first treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic immune disorder. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-eosinophilic-esophagitis-chronic-immune-disorder.

Contributors

  • Chelsea Skucek, MSN, BS, RNC-NIC
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.