Talk to Your Doctor if You Experience These Symptoms
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic condition that affects the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. In this article we're reviewing common symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis, like throat inflammation, that cause discomfort and impact quality of life.
1. Throat Inflammation
Throat inflammation is often the first and most noticeable symptom of EoE. When eosinophils gather in the esophagus, it becomes inflamed and irritated. This can cause discomfort in your throat and make it feel tight or swollen. Over time, the inflammation can make it difficult to swallow food or drinks, leading to further complications.
2. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
People with EoE often experience trouble swallowing. This symptom, known as dysphagia, can feel like food is getting stuck or taking longer to move down the esophagus. It can be uncomfortable and, in severe cases, may lead to choking or the need to drink a lot of water to help food go down.
3. Food Sticking in the Throat (Food Impaction)
Food impaction occurs when food gets stuck in the esophagus. This is a serious symptom that can be painful and sometimes requires emergency medical treatment to remove the food. If you notice food regularly getting stuck, it’s important to speak with a doctor.
4. Chest Pain
Chest pain caused by EoE can feel similar to heartburn or even a heart attack. The inflammation in the esophagus can lead to discomfort or sharp pain in the chest, especially when swallowing. If you experience chest pain, it’s always important to get it checked to rule out other causes.
5. Heartburn or Acid Reflux
Many people with EoE report symptoms that feel like acid reflux. This includes a burning sensation in the chest or throat after eating. However, EoE is not caused by acid, so medications for acid reflux often don’t work as well to relieve this symptom.
6. Nausea and Vomiting
EoE can cause nausea, which may lead to vomiting in some cases. This happens because inflammation in the esophagus makes it harder for food to pass through. The discomfort can make you feel queasy or cause food to come back up.
7. Abdominal Pain
Some people with EoE experience stomach pain, especially after eating. The pain may be mild or sharp and can last for a short time or linger. It’s another sign that the esophagus is inflamed and not functioning properly.
8. Loss of Appetite
EoE can make eating a difficult and frustrating experience, leading to a loss of appetite. If swallowing is painful or uncomfortable, it’s natural to avoid eating. Over time, this can cause weight loss or nutritional deficiencies.
9. Difficulty Feeding in Children
For children with EoE, feeding difficulties are a common symptom. They may avoid eating, chew their food for a long time or gag frequently. Some babies with EoE may struggle to gain weight or grow properly due to these challenges.
10. Chronic Cough
A persistent cough that doesn’t seem to go away can also be linked to EoE. This can happen when inflammation in the esophagus irritates the throat, triggering a cough. If the cough is accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing, it could point to EoE.