How is EoE diagnosed?

EoE is typically diagnosed through several key methods:

1. Upper Endoscopy - A thin flexible tube with a camera examines your esophagus, looking for:
- Narrowing of the esophagus
- Multiple rings
- Other visible abnormalities

2. Esophageal Biopsy - During the endoscopy, tissue samples are taken to check for increased eosinophils. Additional diagnostic tools may include:

- Blood tests to check for:
* Specific allergies through IgE antibody testing
* Higher than normal eosinophil counts

The diagnosis process usually involves working with both a gastroenterologist (for endoscopy/biopsy) and potentially an allergist to identify triggers.

How long will it take for my esophageal tear to heal after an endoscopy?

While some throat discomfort is normal after an endoscopy, you should monitor your symptoms carefully. If you experience severe throat pain, trouble swallowing, vomiting (especially with blood), or chest pain, contact your gastroenterologist immediately. To help with healing:
- Take any pain relievers as recommended by your doctor
- Avoid foods that may irritate your throat
- Stay away from fried or fatty foods
- Skip caffeine until you're feeling better
- Stick to foods that are easy on your stomach

Most post-endoscopy discomfort should improve within a day or two.

While biopsies are a necessary diagnostic tool for EoE, any procedure involving the esophagus could potentially cause irritation. During an upper endoscopy with biopsy, tissue samples are taken from the esophagus to examine eosinophil levels and confirm diagnosis. Since EoE involves inflammation in the esophagus, it's possible that the biopsy procedure could temporarily increase local inflammation and trigger symptoms. If you're experiencing increased symptoms after a procedure, it's important to discuss this with your gastroenterologist to determine if additional treatment adjustments are needed.

Yes, EoE can cause throat irritation and soreness. This happens because eosinophils (white blood cells) gather in the esophagus and release chemicals that cause inflammation. This inflammation can lead to throat irritation, difficulty swallowing, and chronic cough. Here are some ways to help manage throat discomfort from EoE:

- Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Gargle with warm salt water several times daily
- Work with your doctor to identify and avoid food triggers
- Discuss prescription medication options with your healthcare provider
- Always take any medications with plenty of water to avoid further irritation

While diet changes can help manage EoE, it's important to understand that untreated inflammation can lead to scarring in your esophagus, which may be difficult to manage later. The most common dietary approach is an elimination diet that removes common trigger foods like:

- Milk
- Eggs
- Soy
- Wheat
- Nuts
- Fish Some additional lifestyle modifications that may help include:

- Staying well hydrated throughout the day
- Gargling with warm salt water to soothe throat irritation
- Avoiding environmental triggers identified through allergy testing
- Working with a dietitian to ensure proper nutrition while on an elimination diet

However, many myEoEcenter members report that combining dietary changes with medical treatment provides the best control of symptoms and prevention of complications. Consider discussing your concerns about medication with your gastroenterologist who can explain the risks and benefits of different treatment approaches.

Question: What helps manage the severe pain during EoE flare-ups?

There are several treatment approaches that can help manage EoE flare-ups:

1. Prescription medications:
- Proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid
- Topical steroids to reduce inflammation
- Dupilumab (Dupixent) for those 12 and older
- Budesonide (Eohilia) oral suspension for ages 11+

2. Lifestyle modifications:
- Stay well hydrated throughout the day
- Gargle with warm salt water to soothe throat irritation
- Work with your doctor to identify and eliminate trigger foods It's important to work closely with your gastroenterologist to develop an effective treatment plan for managing these severe symptoms. While heat therapy can provide temporary relief, the frequency and severity of your symptoms suggest you may benefit from adjusting your current treatment approach. Please discuss these severe flare-ups with your healthcare provider, as they can help determine the best combination of treatments for your specific situation.