Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is eosinophilic esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammatory disease of the esophagus. In the event that a certain kind of white blood cell, known as an eosinophil, accumulates in the esophageal lining, the esophagus can become inflamed (causing esophagitis). The buildup of these white blood cells is most often a side effect of acid reflux or a reaction to food and allergens. EoE can be suffered by people of any age. However, it is more common in younger male Caucasians, who comprise nearly 75% of occurrences. At Gastroenterology Associates, our doctors provide individualized care for eosinophilic esophagitis. If you are seeking treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis in Baton Rouge, LA, contact your nearest Gastroenterology Associates location to request a consultation.
What are the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis?
The percentage of individuals diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis has been increasing rapidly in relation to the uptick in allergies and asthma. A sample of the most common culprits of eosinophilic esophagitis are:
- Damage to the esophagus (inflammation of the esophagus can result in scarring of the tissue and narrowing of the esophagus)
- Dysphagia and impaction (difficulty swallowing or having food become stuck in the esophagus)
- Chest pain or abdominal pain
- Allergic response (to food, pollen, etc.)
A portion of the risk factors associated with a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis are:
- Geography (individuals living in cold, dry conditions have a greater likelihood of being diagnosed)
- Being male
- Time of year (people are more likely to be diagnosed with EoE during times of elevated levels of pollen and other allergens)
- Asthma and allergies
- Family history of EoE
What are the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis?
Symptoms of EoE may differ slightly for children than adults. The most common symptoms for adults can include:
- Pain in the upper stomach
- Pain in the chest
- No response to acid reflux medication
- Acid reflux
- A cough
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Food becoming impacted in the esophagus while eating
The primary symptoms in children could include:
- Impaction (food getting stuck in the esophagus)
- Vomiting
- Struggles with feedings (infants)
- Poor growth, unexplained weight loss, malnutrition
- Pain in the abdomen or stomach
- Trouble swallowing
- Struggles with eating (children)
If you or a member of your family are dealing with any combination of these symptoms or need over-the-counter (OTC) medication for heartburn more frequently than two times per week, call to request an appointment with a Gastroenterology Associates GI provider today.
What are the treatment options for EoE?
Our gastroenterologists in Baton Rouge, LA offer treatments that mainly work to treat the symptoms of the condition. Should it be determined that you are enduring symptoms related to food allergies, your provider will most likely request that you abstain from eating foods that trigger your symptoms. People are regularly asked to adhere to the six-food elimination diet (SFED), which is excluding wheat, milk, eggs, nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish from their diet for a certain duration of time. Symptoms during this time are watched closely, and specific foods are slowly reintroduced to the diet to pinpoint which foods are causing the response. Certain medications can be prescribed, for example, topical steroids or a proton pump inhibitor. If symptoms persist, your gastroenterologist could wish to try esophageal dilation. Esophageal dilation is a treatment to assist in the stretching of your esophagus to create ease when swallowing.
Find personalized care for eosinophilic esophagitis
If you or someone you love are dealing with eosinophilic esophagitis, expert help is available from the compassionate gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Associates. Our board-certified gastrointestinal providers apply a patient-focused approach to manage and treat problems like eosinophilic esophagitis and optimize your overall health. To meet with a provider who offers EoE treatments in Baton Rouge, LA, please reach out to a location near you as soon as you can.
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Dr. Lamendola is the BEST GI DR EVER!!!!! She genuinely cares about her patients. She doesnt fly in the room and fly out. She takes her time and listen to what is being said and helps the patients come up with a solution for whatever the aliment maybe. I wouldn't reccomend seeing anyone else. She's very down to earth and a true Louisiana chick!!! I absolutely love her!!!
I initially brought my mother to see Dr. Christensen without being referred to him. I found him to be a professional for an aged Alzheimer's modest patient who did not like to be examined anywhere below her neck. His conversation was comforting and filled with information about the process for this type of examination. I started seeing him as well and have and will continue to refer him to others in need of gastrological examinations.
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