Treatment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE) in Katy, TX
Contact Dr. Vivian Asamoah for Help With EOE Disease
Care and treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis is available in Katy, TX from Dr. Vivian Asamoah, a board-certified gastroenterologist. Like many diseases affecting the digestive system, EOE is a condition that attacks the lining of an organ, in this case, the esophagus, causing uncomfortable and painful side effects for those with the illness. It’s a relatively recent discovery, only identified in the early 90s. However, it has become one of the largest causes of digestive system diseases.
What Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
EOE is classified as a chronic immune system disease, meaning the body’s natural defense system can’t tell the difference between a person’s own cells and foreign cells that could pose a threat. In people with EOE, one of these defending cells, a type of white blood cell called an eosinophil, builds up on the lining of the esophagus. It’s caused by a reaction to either food, allergens, or acid reflux. This attack on the lining can result in long-term damage to esophageal tissue, making it difficult to swallow or causing food to become stuck in the esophagus. The disease can affect children and adults.
Common Symptoms of GBAD
Because the enteric nervous system lining the walls of the intestines and the central nervous system connected to the brain are in constant communication, people with gut-brain axis disorders have physical and emotional symptoms. Mood disorders associated with GBAD include chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical symptoms include common issues associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel issues, such as diarrhea, bloating, constipation, or an upset stomach. This connection helps explain why there is a higher percentage of individuals experiencing anxiety or depression among people with IBS or other bowel issues. If not appropriately diagnosed, patients will often be left in a constant state of imbalance and no relief for the bowel or mood disorder, leading to a lower quality of life.
How Are Gut-Brain Axis Disorders Diagnosed?
When diagnosing GBAD, the physical and mood symptoms will be discussed with the patient. While it was initially thought that conditions, such as IBS or bloating, might cause anxiety or depression, it is now believed that it could be the other way around. As your specialist in gastroenterology, Dr. Asamoah will discuss your physical and emotional symptoms to diagnose your condition accurately. Because there are no standardized test results or endoscopy findings to review when diagnosing GBAD, our evaluation will be comprehensive to effectively narrow down our conclusion to develop the right treatment plan.
What Causes Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
The eosinophils in the digestive tract cause EOE, but the triggers vary from person to person. What they all have in common as immune system disorders is an allergic reaction to an outside source causing them. Common origins include:
- Eosinophil Multiplication – When eosinophils multiply in the esophagus, they produce a protein that causes inflammation.
- Esophageal Damage – Inflammation in the lining leads to scarring, which forms a large amount of fibrous tissue, narrowing the esophagus opening.
- Allergic Reaction – Reactions can be caused by food, pollen, or other allergens.
Who Is at Risk for Developing EOE?
Any child or adult can develop eosinophilic esophagitis. While health professionals thought the recent uptick in diagnosis was because the disease had only been discovered in the 90s, it is now believed that instances of EOE are generally on the rise, similar to other allergies and asthma. Still, some factors put people at higher risk for developing EOE.
- Geography – Those who live in colder, drier climates are more likely to be diagnosed with EOE.
- Seasonality – Spring through fall have a higher diagnosis rate because of increased pollen levels and allergens.
- Gender – It’s more common in males.
- Genetics – Research has shown signs that it can run in the family.
- Other Allergies or Respiratory Conditions – Those with food and environmental allergies, atopic dermatitis, and chronic respiratory illnesses are likelier to have EOE.
Dr. Vivian Asamoah’s Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
As a practice focused on functional medicine and a holistic approach to treatment, patients can expect a comprehensive care plan that targets more than EOE disease and the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. Since allergens are a common cause, an elimination diet where known food allergens are removed to see if symptoms clear up is a standard process. Once patients feel relief, foods can slowly be added to the diet and closely monitored to uncover the triggering items. Other lifestyle changes can also be recommended. An endoscopy is an important test to get an inside look at the esophageal tissue and help determine possible causes.
Schedule an Appointment To Discuss EOE
Digestive issues can lead to many severe health issues. Dr. Vivian Asamoah offers patients in Katy, TX scientifically backed methods to gain control over various conditions and symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. After an extensive review of your medical history, lifestyle, and other important factors, such as your living environment, she can offer insight into what might be triggering your condition and proactive steps to take for a better quality of life. Complications from EOE can make swallowing solid food nearly impossible and seriously damage the esophagus. Contact us to schedule an appointment for treatment.