To understand eosinophilic esophagitis, one must first comprehend the meaning of two important terms: esophagus and eosinophils. The esophagus is the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Eosinophils are the white blood cells in the digestive system that defend the body against allergies and parasites. Eosinophilic esophagitis (also called EoE) results from an atypical immune response within the digestive tract, which increases the number of eosinophils in the esophagus’ inner lining.

Warning signs in adults

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is a hallmark symptom of the condition. Patients, both children and adults, may feel like food is stuck in their esophagus, making swallowing uncomfortable and challenging. This symptom often leads to delayed or impaired passage of food through the esophagus.

Food impaction
Eosinophilic esophagitis can sometimes lead to food impaction. This symptom is characterized by difficulty and discomfort as food gets lodged in the esophagus after swallowing. Food impaction can result in fullness, chest discomfort, and the need for expert intervention to remove the impacted food.

Centrally located chest pain
Centrally located chest pain that does not respond to home remedies is another distinctive symptom in adults. This pain is usually intense and can be attributed to inflammation and structural changes in the esophagus. Immediate attention is essential when individuals encounter chest pain, particularly if the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath or pain in the jaw or arm. A combination of these symptoms may indicate a heart attack.

Regurgitation or reflux
Regurgitation, characterized by the backflow of undigested food, is another common symptom in adults. When the esophagus does not function properly, the food from the stomach travels upward into the esophagus. This causes discomfort and sometimes a sour taste in the mouth. Regurgitation usually does not improve, even with general treatments or home remedies.