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Childhood Eosinophilic Esophagitis

An allergy-mediated chronic inflammation of the oesophagus presenting with feeding difficulty in young children and dysphagia in adolescents.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Childhood Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, allergy-mediated disease characterised by densely eosinophilic inflammation of the oesophagus (>15 eosinophils/HPF).

It manifests in young children with feeding difficulty, vomiting, weight loss, and in school-age children and adolescents with dysphagia, food impaction and chest pain.

Tightly associated with atopic background (asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis). Untreated leads to progressive oesophageal stenosis and remodelling.

Symptoms

Feeding refusal and weight loss in young children
Recurrent vomiting and regurgitation
Dysphagia (especially with solid food)
Food impaction (acute oesophageal blockage)
Retrosternal chest pain and heartburn
Abdominal pain (varies with age)
Failure of growth retardation

Risk Factors

Personal or family history of atopy (asthma, eczema)
Allergic rhinitis and food allergy
Family history of EoE (genetic predisposition)
Male sex (3:1 male predominance)
Caucasian ethnicity
Common allergens: milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanut, seafood
Early childhood antibiotic exposure

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Paediatric gastroenterology referral for recurrent vomiting and feeding refusal
  • Apply to the emergency department immediately for sudden food impaction (foreign body sensation)
  • Investigation needed for unexplained weight loss and growth retardation
  • Endoscopic biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis

Treatment Methods

01
Six-food elimination diet (milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanut, seafood)
02
High-dose proton pump inhibitor (8-week trial)
03
Topical swallowed steroid (fluticasone or budesonide)
04
Targeted elimination diet by allergy testing
05
Dupilumab (anti-IL-4Rα biologic, refractory cases)
06
Endoscopic dilatation (for stenosis)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.