Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis, commonly referred to as (EoE), is a disease of the esophagus characterized by inflammation. When a specific type of white blood cell, known as an eosinophil, builds up in the lining of the esophagus, the esophagus can swell, causing esophagitis. This buildup is often a side effect of acid reflux or a reaction to allergens or food. Individuals of every age may suffer EoE. However, it is most common in younger male Caucasians, who account for nearly 75% of occurrences. Our specialists at Digestive Health Center provide personalized treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis. If you or someone you love is seeking treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis in Ocean Springs, MS, reach out to our location to request an appointment.
What are the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The percentage of people diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis has been increasing rapidly, linked to the uptick in allergies and asthma. A few of the more common culprits of EoE include:
- Impaction and dysphagia (problems swallowing or having food become stuck in the esophagus)
- Esophageal damage (inflammation of the esophagus could cause scarring of the tissue and narrowing of the esophagus)
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Allergic response (to pollen, food, etc.)
A few of the risk factors related to a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis include:
- Allergies and asthma
- Geographic location (individuals living in dry, cold conditions are more likely to be diagnosed)
- Being male
- Family history of EoE
- Season (you are more likely to be diagnosed with EoE during times of elevated levels of pollen and other allergens)
What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The symptoms of EoE may differ slightly for children than adults. The usual symptoms in adults might include the following:
- Pain in the chest
- Cough
- Pain in the upper stomach
- Struggle with swallowing (dysphagia)
- Food getting stuck in your esophagus when eating
- Acid reflux
- No response to acid reflux medication
The primary symptoms in children could include:
- Impaction (food getting stuck in the esophagus)
- Struggles with feedings (infants)
- Poor growth, unexplained loss of weight, malnutrition
- Difficulty eating (children)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Vomiting
If you or a family member are suffering from any combination of these symptoms, or you require over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medication more than two times per week, call to request a consultation with a Digestive Health Center gastrointestinal provider as soon as possible.
What are the treatment options for EoE?
Treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis through our Ocean Springs, MS providers mainly focuses on treating the condition's symptoms. Should it be determined that you are experiencing symptoms due to an allergy to foods, your provider will commonly instruct that you abstain from eating foods that trigger your symptoms. Individuals are regularly directed to abide by the six-food elimination diet (SFED), holding out wheat, milk, eggs, nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish from their diet for a certain amount of time. During this time, symptoms are carefully monitored, and specific foods are carefully reintroduced to the diet to conclude which foods result in the response. Some medications, such as topical steroids or a proton pump inhibitor, might be prescribed. If symptoms fail to resolve, your gastroenterologist might recommend esophageal dilation. Dilation is a procedure to help stretch the diameter of your esophagus to create ease when swallowing.
Personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis
If you are living with eosinophilic esophagitis, you can find expert help and compassionate care from the skilled specialists at Digestive Health Center. Our board-certified GI providers take a patient-focused approach to managing and treating conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis and strive to improve your health and well-being. To meet with a provider who offers EoE treatments in Ocean Springs, MS, please connect with a local practice as soon as possible.
Reviews
Dr McNair has treated me since 1983. My Mother n law was seriously ill in SRH. Dr McNair came in ICU and saved her life. That year 1983 I made an appt to be one of his patients. He had not been on the Coast very long at all. But took me as new patient…I still am a patient of Dr A McNair. He’s Brilliant. I love the whole team❤️ May 1, 2023
Dr. Mcnair in my opinion is a wonderful, competent doctor. He shows the individual respect and allows them to participate in decisions concerning their own health and accepts deviations from the "norm" without pressure or ridicule to conform.
went in for visit, good feeling upon arrival, very professional and informative about my childs condition, will be back for follow up and annuals.
Dr. Is awesome. The wait to get in and while there sucks.
I am definitely appreciative & thankful for Dr. Angela Pressley Wallace. She is very easy to work with, honest, understanding, very knowledgeable about her career being a physician, cares for her patients, terrific leader, kind hearted, genuine. One of the best & top Gastroenterologist Physicians in the Gulfport, MS area. I highly recommend Dr. Angela Pressley Wallace❗️You will not be disappointed.
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