Pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis treatment in Illinois and Indiana

Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Care

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic condition diagnosed in one to four of every 10,000 people in the United States. Many children with EoE also have seasonal allergies, asthma, food allergies, or eczema. If you think your child may have EoE, our board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists can help. Call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today at any of our five area locations.

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What Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic allergic inflammatory condition that affects your child’s immune system. During flare-ups, a specific type of white blood cell called an eosinophil builds up in the lining of your child’s esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This buildup is a reaction to foods, allergens, or acid reflux and can cause inflammation or injury to the esophageal tissue. As a result, children with EoE often experience difficulty swallowing and may feel food getting stuck when they eat. Identified within the last two decades, EoE is now recognized as a significant cause of digestive illness in children.

What Are the Symptoms of Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Children with eosinophilic esophagitis often experience:

  • Nausea
  • Regurgitation
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • A burning sensation similar to acid reflux or heartburn
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Frequent gagging

If left untreated, EoE can cause scarring that narrows your child’s esophagus over time.

How Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis Diagnosed?

After reviewing your child’s medical history and symptoms, our pediatric gastroenterologists perform several tests to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis, including:

Upper Endoscopy

A long, narrow tube containing a light and tiny camera allows the doctor to inspect the lining of your child’s esophagus for signs of EoE.

Biopsy

Small tissue samples are collected during the endoscopy and examined under a microscope.

Blood Tests

Blood tests help confirm the diagnosis and identify possible causes.

How Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis Treated?

Treatment for EoE often begins with dietary therapy, including the elimination of specific foods from your child’s diet. If this approach does not fully relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation, the doctor may prescribe medication, such as:

  • Proton pump inhibitors (acid blockers)
  • Swallowable topical steroids

Because there is no known cure for eosinophilic esophagitis, treatment focuses on reducing damage to the esophagus and relieving symptoms. Our providers design an individualized treatment plan for each child. Because EoE symptoms can overlap with other conditions, our team may also evaluate for related concerns such as celiac disease. Explore all of our pediatric GI services to learn more.

To find the treatment approach that works best for your child, call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eosinophilic esophagitis?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic inflammatory condition in which a type of white blood cell called an eosinophil builds up in the lining of the esophagus. This can cause inflammation, difficulty swallowing, and the sensation of food getting stuck.

What causes eosinophilic esophagitis in children?

EoE is typically an allergic reaction to certain foods, environmental allergens, or acid reflux. Many children with EoE also have related conditions such as food allergies, seasonal allergies, asthma, or eczema.

What are the signs my child may have EoE?

Common signs include difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck, frequent gagging, vomiting, regurgitation, nausea, abdominal pain, and a burning sensation similar to heartburn. If your child has these symptoms, an evaluation is recommended.

How is eosinophilic esophagitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves an upper endoscopy to inspect the esophagus, a biopsy to examine tissue samples under a microscope, and blood tests to help identify causes. These tests together confirm the diagnosis.

Can eosinophilic esophagitis be cured?

There is currently no cure for EoE, but it can be effectively managed. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving symptoms, and preventing damage to the esophagus through dietary changes and, if needed, medication.

What happens if EoE goes untreated?

If left untreated, ongoing inflammation can lead to scarring that narrows the esophagus over time, making swallowing more difficult. This is why timely diagnosis and consistent management are important.

Which locations treat eosinophilic esophagitis?

EoE is treated at all five of our locations: Evergreen Park, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Romeoville in Illinois, or Highland, Indiana. Call (708) 581-4911 to schedule.