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Background The study aims to analyse the relationship between eosinophilic esophagitis and food allergy.
Methods Eosinophilic oesophagitis is a chronic, Th2-mediated condition characterised by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and histological evidence of eosinophils in inflammatory infiltrates. Symptoms vary between children and adults.
Results The incidence of cases is 5-30 per 100,000 people, depending on the region, and the prevalence is 0.5-1 case per year.
The pathogenesis is currently being studied, but the allergic nature of eosinophilic esophagitis is noted: the presence of concomitant allergic diseases; peripheral eosinophilia; elevated levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE); the presence of specific immunoglobulins to food and inhalation allergens in patients; reduction of symptoms after elimination diet and steroids. The most used diagnostic methods are biopsy of oesophageal samples, endoscopic ultrasound, oesophageal thread test, and gene expression studies. New tools are being developed for early diagnosis, as timely diagnosis significantly reduces the risk of severe complications. For treatment purposes, dietary nutrition (elimination, elementary and empirical diets), proton pump inhibitors, and local and systemic steroids are used, and in case of significant narrowing of the oesophagus, its dilation is performed. Highly effective medicines based on monoclonal antibodies are being developed to improve the quality of life of patients and stop the progression of the disease.
Conclusions Thus, eosinophilic oesophagitis is a relatively uncommon disease with an allergic nature that requires further study to develop effective diagnostic and treatment methods.
