Question: What can help manage difficulty swallowing with EoE?

When experiencing swallowing difficulties, focusing on soft, well-chewed foods can help reduce symptoms. Some helpful options include:

- Applesauce
- Soups
- Eggs
- Puddings
- Drinking plenty of fluids with meals If you're experiencing ongoing swallowing difficulties, it's important to discuss treatment options with your gastroenterologist. Several medications can help manage EoE symptoms:

- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Topical steroids like budesonide or fluticasone
- Newer biologic medications

These treatments can help reduce inflammation in your esophagus and improve your ability to swallow.

The search results provided don't contain specific information about hoarseness or voice challenges related to EoE. However, this is an important question that deserves attention. The best course of action would be to discuss these symptoms with your EoE specialist, particularly a gastroenterologist or allergist who has experience treating EoE patients.

When meeting with your doctor, be sure to describe:
- How long you've been experiencing hoarseness
- Whether it's constant or comes and goes
- If certain foods or activities make it worse
- Any other symptoms you're experiencing alongside the hoarseness Finding the right specialist is crucial for addressing specific symptoms like voice changes. Look for a doctor who:
- Has extensive experience treating EoE patients
- Stays current with the latest EoE research and treatments
- Takes time to listen to your concerns
- Is willing to coordinate with other specialists if needed

Is it okay to take a 7-day break from avoiding wheat and dairy in my EoE diet?

This is not recommended. Dairy and wheat are two of the most common trigger foods for EoE symptoms. Even short-term consumption can trigger inflammation in your esophagus and cause symptom flares. The elimination diet process requires consistent avoidance of trigger foods to be effective. If you're struggling with dietary restrictions, it's better to work with your healthcare team to adjust your eating plan safely while ensuring your nutritional needs are met. A registered dietitian can help develop strategies to maintain your diet while still enjoying food and managing your EoE effectively.

Since both you and your husband are experiencing new symptoms simultaneously, it's important to see a doctor right away. Trouble swallowing (dysphagia) and vomiting are both common symptoms of EoE that should be evaluated by a medical professional, especially given your age and the sudden onset.

While food and dietary changes can trigger EoE symptoms, it's critical to get properly diagnosed rather than trying to self-identify triggers. Your symptoms could worsen without proper medical intervention. If you are diagnosed with EoE, your doctor may recommend:
- Allergy testing to identify specific triggers
- An elimination diet to determine if certain foods are causing symptoms
- Prescription medications to reduce inflammation
- Staying well hydrated throughout the day

In the meantime, be sure to drink plenty of water with meals and avoid taking medications without adequate fluid intake, as this can irritate the esophagus further.

Chest pain and heartburn that doesn't respond well to PPIs can be symptoms of EoE. Adults with EoE often experience:

• Intense acid reflux
• Pain in the center of the chest
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Food getting stuck in the esophagus
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting While these symptoms could indicate EoE, only proper testing can confirm a diagnosis. If PPIs aren't helping after extended use, it's important to talk to your doctor about getting evaluated specifically for EoE. This typically involves an upper endoscopy with a biopsy to examine for increased eosinophils in your esophagus.

While budesonide is commonly prescribed for EoE, it's important to note that some people may experience adverse reactions. The medication has a bitter taste, which is why many people mix it into smoothies with sweeteners like honey to make it more palatable. Steroids, including budesonide, can actually worsen heartburn symptoms in some people. If you're experiencing significant heartburn while taking budesonide, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider as they may need to adjust your treatment plan or explore alternative options.