EoE Symptoms and Causes Overview Symptoms and causes Diagnosis Treatment What are the symptoms of EoE? The symptoms of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) can vary from one person to another and depending on age, but they are usually related to difficulty in getting food down the oesophagus (the tube going from mouth to stomach). The medical word for this type of swallowing difficulty is dysphagia, however, there are many types of dysphagia. The one that occurs in EoE is a feeling of food travelling more slowly down or sticking (usually) in the chest, often intermittent but sometimes with every swallow. The sensation of food sticking can range from mild, making eating difficult/uncomfortable, to severe and very distressing. It can occur without pain or with significant pain. EoE symptoms in children In children there can be difficulties with nutrition/poor growth, vomiting/regurgitation (sick going up and down, which can disturb sleep), food refusal (“fussy eating”), abdominal and/or chest pain. Watch presentations on eosinophilic oesophagitis in children and teens EoE symptoms in adults In older children, adolescents and adults occasionally the food can stick severely, stopping all other swallowed material for hours. This is called food bolus obstruction or food impaction and may require emergency medical attention. Watch a presentation on eosinophilic oesophagitis in adults Those suffering from long term undiagnosed eosinophilic oesophagitis will often have learnt coping strategies such as: Slow eating, excessive chewing – last to finish a meal Food avoidance i.e. meat, bread - preferring softer/wetter foods Drinking lots during a meal Symptoms of EoE can become so severe that it may prevent sufferers from normal social eating and cause anxiety, particularly when eating out in a restaurant. With the help of our community and medical experts, EOS Network has developed a symptom tracker to monitor and log symptoms in preparation for your doctors appointment Download Symptom Tracker and a patient action plan for what to do when food gets stuck Download Food Obstruction Action Plan What are the long term effects of EoE? If left untreated, long term permanent damage can be caused to the oesophagus due to strictures (narrowing). Eosinophil gut disorders are long term conditions (chronic is the medical term) and therefore patients need a lifelong method to control the symptoms and reduce the potential complications. The lack of globally accepted therapies makes the management of the condition challenging for both doctors and their patients. Watch a presentation on the long term effects and management of EoE What causes EoE? The cause of eosinophilic oesophagitis EoE is not yet completely understood but it has been found to be triggered by eating certain foods, most commonly (but not exclusively) milk, wheat, nuts, soya, fish and eggs. It may possibly be triggered by breathing in certain allergens like pollen. Watch presentations on the role of allergy in EoE Eosinophilic disease is often found in those with a family history of allergic diseases such as rhinitis, asthma and/or eczema. In fact, a personal history of atopy is documented prior to EoE diagnosis in 50-60% of cases. To make things even more complex, the substance triggering each condition may differ within the same individual, e.g pollen for asthma and maybe milk for EoE. EOS Network aims to bring further research, support and awareness of EoE. If you are a patient/carer or healthcare professional register free today: PATIENT REGISTRATION FORM PARENT/CAREGIVER REGISTRATION FORM HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION FORM Read on to learn about how EoE is diagnosed. Next page