Symptoms of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a rare chronic condition that affects the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, known as the esophagus. People who have eosinophilic esophagitis experience an overgrowth of eosinophils, which are white blood cells, inside the esophagus. 

Eosinophils are part of the immune system. They normally work to fight infections in the body. The overgrowth seen in eosinophilic esophagitis is believed to be caused by an allergic response. This buildup of eosinophils on the lining of the esophagus leads to inflammation and injury. The most common symptom of eosinophilic esophagitis is difficulty swallowing.

This article will describe the common symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. It will also explain when to call the doctor or seek emergency treatment. 

Frequent Symptoms in Adults

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune condition that leads to swelling in the esophagus caused by the presence of eosinophils. Normally there are no eosinophils in the esophagus. Symptoms are caused by this chronic inflammation in the lining of the esophagus. Common symptoms in adults include:

• Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia
• Painful swallowing 
• Feeling as though food is getting “stuck” in the throat
• Vomiting or regurgitation of food
• Chest pain or heartburn 
• Difficulty eating hard or dense foods 

The feeling of food becoming stuck in the throat is known as food impaction. A 2020 study found that up to 50% of adults who seek treatment for food impaction are eventually diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis.

Frequent Symptoms in Children

When children experience eosinophilic esophagitis, their symptoms are slightly different from those in adults. Common symptoms in children include:

• Decreased appetite 
• Unable to eat or drink
• Abdominal pain
• Food regurgitation 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fussiness or irritability
• Failure to gain weight 
• Reflux that does not improve with medication or treatment 
• Difficulty sleeping 

Children do not commonly experience food impaction, or a feeling of food becoming stuck in the throat. However, children over the age of 12 are more likely to present with adult-like symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis and are more likely to experience food impaction.

Rare Symptoms

Eosinophilic esophagitis can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. When food becomes lodged in the esophagus, this is known as food impaction. Food impaction makes it impossible to eat or drink and must be treated right away. This is especially true if the impacted food feels as though it is blocking your airway as well. 

Eosinophilic esophagitis can also cause chest pain. While this is a common symptom in adults, new-onset chest pain should never be ignored, as it could be a sign of heart disease. Call your doctor right away if you are experiencing chest pain. 

Complications

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic condition and can lead to complications over time. Possible complications include:

• Food impaction: This occurs when food becomes firmly stuck in the esophagus. 
• Narrowing of the esophagus: Over time, eosinophilic esophagitis can cause scarring and narrowing of the esophagus. This may make swallowing food even more difficult. 
• Esophageal tear: Eosinophilic esophagitis causes inflammation in the esophagus, and this may lead to tearing in the lining known as a perforation. 

When to See a Doctor/Go to the Hospital

See your doctor right away if you have developed symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. Your primary doctor will likely refer you to an allergist or gastroenterologist to diagnose and treat the condition. Eosinophilic esophagitis is considered to be a chronic condition. While it can be managed and controlled, there is no known cure. 

See your doctor any time you are experiencing new-onset chest pain. Because this can be a sign of heart disease, it’s important to address it right away. If you have been experiencing symptoms like heartburn for two weeks, see your doctor to learn what is causing it. 

Summary 

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune condition that is characterized by a buildup of eosinophils in the esophagus. This buildup of white blood cells causes inflammation and leads to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), heartburn, chest pain, and food impaction. Children experience slightly different symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, food regurgitation, and an inability to eat or drink. 

A Word From Verywell 

Experiencing eosinophilic esophagitis may feel frightening at first, especially if you do not know why food is becoming stuck in your throat. If you have developed symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis, see your doctor and ask for a referral to an allergist or gastroenterologist. While there is no cure for this chronic immune disorder, diet changes and prescription medications can often manage it.