Knowra Eosinophilic esophagitis Eosinophilic esophagitis Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune-mediated disease in which eosinophils accumulate in the esophagus. The resulting inflammation can cause swallowing difficulty, food impaction, and esophageal narrowing.
Type 2 inflammation : An immune response driven by cytokines such as interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-13. This immune pattern supplies signals that recruit and sustain eosinophils in the esophagus.
Esophageal biopsy : A procedure that removes small samples of esophageal tissue for microscopic examination. Biopsy demonstrates tissue eosinophilia and helps assess response to treatment.
Eosinophil : A white blood cell involved in immune responses, especially those associated with parasites and allergic inflammation. Accumulation of these cells in esophageal tissue is the disease's defining microscopic feature.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease : A disorder in which stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, causing symptoms or tissue injury. Reflux can mimic symptoms and produce esophageal eosinophils, but it is a distinct diagnosis.
Esophageal distensibility : The ability of the esophagus to expand as food passes through it. Reduced distensibility can cause obstructive symptoms even when endoscopy shows no severe fixed narrowing.
Interleukin 13 : A cytokine that influences immune responses, mucus production, and tissue function. It can weaken the esophageal epithelial barrier and promote disease-associated gene activity.
Endoscopy : A procedure that uses a flexible camera to examine the inside of the digestive tract. Endoscopy reveals rings, furrows, exudates, and narrowing, while enabling biopsies.
Dysphagia : Difficulty swallowing food or liquid. Esophageal inflammation and narrowing commonly cause this symptom, especially with solid foods.
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis : A group of disorders involving eosinophilic inflammation in parts of the gastrointestinal tract outside the esophagus. Its tissue involvement extends beyond the esophagus, unlike isolated eosinophilic esophagitis.
Esophageal perforation : A full-thickness tear in the wall of the esophagus. Severe food impaction or instrumentation can rarely cause this serious complication.
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