Clinical meaning
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated condition in which the esophagus becomes inflamed with a type of white blood cell called eosinophils. Normally, eosinophils are not found in the esophageal tissue; their presence indicates an allergic inflammatory response. This inflammation causes the esophagus to become swollen, stiff, and narrowed, making swallowing difficult and painful.
EoE is increasingly common, particularly in children and young adults with a history of other allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema, or food allergies. The most common symptom in older children and adults is dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), especially with solid foods. Younger children may present with feeding difficulties, food refusal, vomiting, and failure to thrive. A hallmark presentation is food impaction, where a solid food bolus becomes stuck in the esophagus and cannot pass. Clients often develop compensatory eating behaviors such as eating very slowly, cutting food into tiny pieces, drinking excessive liquids with meals, and avoiding certain textures.