Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Also known as: EoE.
What is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a condition related to food ingestion or inhaled allergens. It is characterized by an isolated inflammation of the esophagus by a specific white blood cell called the eosinophil. It can be associated with other allergic conditions such as
asthma and
allergic rhinitis.
What causes eosinophilic esophagitis?
White blood cells known as eosinophils are the cause of eosinophilic esophagitis. As part of an allergic response to a particular food or inhaled allergen, eosinophils infiltrate the lining of the esophagus and release their contents. These contents of the eosinophil create inflammation in the lining, leading to symptoms.
What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
Common symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis can include:
- trouble swallowing
- chest pain
- heartburn
- abdominal pain
- regurgitation
- vomiting
- and others.
In young children, the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis resemble those of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including feeding disorders and poor weight gain, so the child may be mistakenly diagnosed with GERD. In rare cases, EoE may cause a food impaction that requires emergency removal.
What are eosinophilic esophagitis care options?
Medications and dietary changes are all possible treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis. In rare cases, the inflammation created by EoE causes a narrowing in the esophagus, called a stricture. A procedure called dilatation may then be needed to open up the esophagus to allow food to pass comfortably.
Transnasal endoscopy for EoE
Nicklaus Children’s Division of Gastroenterology uses the EvoEndo® Sedation-Free Transnasal Endoscopy Scope. The ultrathin equipment is inserted in the nose to enable clinicians to assess the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. The procedure can be concluded in the medical office in approximately an hour with minimal advance preparation.
Transnasal endoscopy procedure can especially benefit children with eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition often requiring repeat endoscopies throughout treatment.
Reviewed by: Shifra A Koyfman, MD
This page was last updated on: July 22, 2026 04:05 PM
April 14, 2026 – Transnasal endoscopy procedure can especially benefit children with eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition often requiring repeat endoscopies throughout treatment.
April 22, 2025 – In recognition of World Kidney Month in March and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month in April, this month’s Research Roundup is dedicated to the incredible research being conducted in Nephrology and Gastroenterology. Research in these departments is advancing pediatric medicine affecting thousands of children in the U.S. diagnosed with rare disorders like Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and school-aged children reporting IBS-like symptoms.