What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis or E.E.S.H. as it is commonly known, is a chronic condition in which the body cannot effectively combat the effects of excessive levels of stress on the immune system. Symptoms of this condition include severe pain in the chest and abdominal area and also in the esophagus.
The cause of E.E.S.H. has not been determined
The symptoms of esophagitis are very similar to those of other digestive disorders, including inflammation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which is a muscular valve at the top of the esophagus that normally keeps acid from flowing into the stomach. This valve may become damaged, causing a variety of problems, including regurgitation of stomach acid back into the esophagus causing inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the esophagus.
Some researchers have speculated that the symptoms of esophagitis can be caused by an underlying digestive disorder. In a recent study published in the Journal of Rheumatology, scientists suggested that there are several risk factors for developing esophagitis, including: smoking tobacco, having a family history of esophagitis, and having diabetes.
Esophagitis, like most digestive disorders, is not curable. The best treatment for E.E.S.H., or other cases of esophagitis, is prevention.
Eosinophilic esophagitis can be very serious because it can lead to serious complications, including perforation, Barrett's esophagus, and even esophageal cancer. It may also lead to death.
If you suspect that you have Eosinophilic esophagitis, do not waste time. You must see a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions that could be the cause of your symptoms. An appointment with your doctor is highly recommended if you notice that your symptoms are worsening or becoming more painful.
A number of common treatments for Eosinophilic esophagitis can be very harmful to your health
You should avoid over-the-counter drugs, medications containing corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and steroids like prednisolone, and all forms of antibiotics as these are potentially harmful. to the liver and kidneys and can actually worsen your symptoms. Also, you should avoid taking medicines and supplements containing magnesium and calcium, which may further damage the esophageal lining.
There are many other treatments for the symptoms of this condition, but they all work in different ways. Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you based on the severity of your symptoms.
When considering your treatment options, remember that you must always talk with your doctor and only discuss the treatments you are interested in. Discuss your concerns about your symptoms with your doctor before you try a new treatment, and ask about possible side effects. If you suspect you may have any underlying conditions, your doctor may recommend that you be monitored carefully.
Treatment is usually done through prescription drugs. Your doctor may prescribe you an acidophilus or bifidus suppositories or intravenous medications. Surgery may also be an option for severe cases.
Treatments may include a number of different approaches. Your doctor will likely suggest that you take an antibiotic, either an oral or intravenous one, to kill the bacteria that are responsible for the symptoms. These are generally very safe and effective treatments. Although the effects of most of these antibiotics are long term, they can be stopped by taking a course of treatment, so this is a good way to keep your symptoms under control.
In the event that you do not receive a proper amount of antibacterial through your antibiotic, or the dose is not strong enough, surgery may be an option. In some cases, you may also be given antibiotics that contain a mixture of antibiotics that are used in combination. This type of therapy is called a combination therapy. Your doctor may prescribe a decongestant as well, which is also an effective method of treating the symptoms of Eosinophilic esophagitis.
If none of these treatment options are successful, surgery may be an option. If the underlying condition causing your symptoms is not resolved, surgery may be the only option for you.