Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Tulsa, OK
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Find a ProviderWhat is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease of the esophagus characterized by inflammation. If a certain type of white blood cell, called eosinophil, accumulate in the esophageal lining, esophagitis will occur. The buildup of the eosinophils is usually a side effect of acid reflux or a reaction to allergens or food. EoE can affect patients of all ages. However, it is more common in younger, male Caucasians, who account for about 75% of EoE cases. At Adult Gastroenterology Associates, our specialists provide personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis. If you or someone you love suffers from EoE in Tulsa, OK, reach out to a location near you to request a consultation.
What are the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The number of people being diagnosed with EoE is increasing and is being linked to the rise in asthma and allergies. Some of the more common causes of EoE are:
- Allergic response (to pollen, food, etc.)
- Damage to the esophagus (esophageal inflammation could result in scarring of the tissue and narrowing of the esophagus)
- Chest pain or abdominal pain
- Dysphagia and impaction (problems swallowing, or having food become stuck in the esophagus)
A few of the risk factors associated with a diagnosis of EoE include:
- Time of year (you are more likely to be diagnosed with EoE during times of higher levels of pollen and other allergens)
- Males are more likely to suffer from EoE
- Where you live (people living in dry, cold conditions are more likely to be diagnosed)
- Asthma and allergies
- Genetics (if someone in your family has EoE, you are more likely to be diagnosed)
What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
Adults may experience different symptoms than children. Common symptoms of EoE in adults can include:
- A cough
- Chest pain
- A lack of efficacy from acid reflux medication
- Acid reflux
- Pain in the upper stomach
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Food becoming impacted in the esophagus when eating
Common symptoms for children can include:
- Struggles feeding (infants)
- Difficulty with eating (children)
- Below average growth, unexplained weight loss, malnutrition
- Pain in the abdomen or stomach
- Impaction (food stuck in the esophagus)
- Vomiting
- Dysphagia
If you or a loved one are dealing with any combination of these symptoms, request a consultation with a Adult Gastroenterology Associates gastroenterologist as soon as you can.
How is eosinophilic esophagitis treated?
Our Tulsa, OK providers primarily treat EoE by focusing on alleviating the symptoms of the condition. If you are experiencing symptoms caused by food allergies, your provider would likely recommend that you abstain from eating triggering foods. Patients are commonly asked to follow the six-food elimination diet (SFED), removing shellfish, fish, soy, nuts, eggs, milk, and wheat from their diet for a specific duration of time. Symptoms during this time are watched closely, and specific foods are carefully reintroduced to the diet to identify which foods are causing the response. Some medications could be prescribed, like a proton pump inhibitor or topical steroids. If symptoms fail to improve, your provider may recommend esophageal dilation. Dilation is a treatment that assists with the stretching of the diameter of your esophagus to make swallowing easier.
Get personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis
If you are suffering from eosinophilic esophagitis, expert help is available from our skilled specialists at an Adult Gastroenterology Associates location in your community. Our board-certified GI providers employ a patient-focused approach to treating and managing conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis. To meet with a provider who is experienced in EoE treatments in Tulsa, OK, please request a consultation as soon as possible.
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Great experience was able to get in quickly for an urgent consultation
Dr. Conkling and his nurse are very considerate and have helped me feel comfortable and completely at ease through this whole ordeal. They have been informative and compassionate in every aspect of this experience and I am so glad that I chose Dr. Conkling for my doctor.
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Great experience with the staff and Dr. Blankenship, he has been my Doctor and my family's doctor for many years and I would not go to another Gastroenterologist around. He and his staff have great beside manners and take the time to listen to you, and you never feel rushed.
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