An approach to the main features of eosinophilic esophagitis

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EEo). Bibliographic review: EEo is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by esophageal dysfunction and transmural infiltration of the esophagus by eosinophils. EEo is considered the most frequent eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder with an incidence of approximately 5 to 10 cases per 100,000 per year and a prevalence of approximately 0.5 to 1 case per 1,000. Its exact etiology is unknown, but it is believed to be the result of interactions between the environment, genetics and the host's immune system. In EoE, inflammation caused by eosinophils is confined to the esophagus. Increased prevalence results from awareness of the disease, better access to endoscopy, as well as increased incidence of allergies. Final considerations: EEo is a chronic immunological inflammatory disease, mediated by Th2 antigen, whose incidence is increasing, mainly in western countries. Its diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion (food impaction, dysphagia and history of atopy) confirmed with upper digestive endoscopy with at least 6 biopsies. The treatment of EoE is done primarily with diet and, later, with therapeutic options such as proton pump inhibitors and swallowed topical corticoids.