Eosinophilic esophagitis: an emerging disease in childhood - review of diagnostic and management strategies

Front Pediatr. 2014 Nov 21:2:129. doi: 10.3389/fped.2014.00129. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune/antigen mediated inflammatory disease of the esophagus. It comprises a separate entity of increasing incidence and prevalence in children and adults. The disease is characterized by histological evidence of dense esophageal tissue eosinophilia in the presence of a variety of upper GI symptoms including vomiting, dysphagia, food impaction, and odynophagia. Cornerstone of treatment is dietary intervention and/or the off-label use of swallowed topical corticosteroids. New drug therapies are under investigation. In this review, we focus on the diagnostic approach and the currently available treatment strategies.

Keywords: amino acid-based formula; empiric elimination diet; eosinophilic esophagitis; fluticasone propionate; oral steroids; oral viscous budesonide; targeted elimination diet.

Publication types

  • Review