Caring for children with eosinophilic esophagitis

Learn how our Gastroenterology, Liver and Nutrition Program cares for children with eosinophilic esophagitis. 

• What is eosinophilic esophagitis?

Related tests and treatments:

• Allergy testing
• Barium swallow study
• Biopsy
• Gastrostomy
• Enteral nutrition
• Esophageal dilation
• Upper endoscopy

Our approach to eosinophilic esophagitis

Children’s Wisconsin has a dedicated eosinophilic esophagitis program that has treated more than 400 children with this condition, giving our doctors a broad and deep perspective on the most effective treatments for EoE. In addition to pediatric gastroenterologists who specialize in this condition, our team includes experienced nurses and dietitians who have special training in food allergies. We work closely with our Allergy and Clinical Immunology Program to help co-manage asthma and allergies. We also have a strong endoscopic practice and offer state-of-the-art endoscopic procedures, including esophageal dilation.

Eosinophilic esophagitis services we offer

Our multidisciplinary team of experts can help in many ways, including:

• Diagnosis and evaluation
• Customized treatment plan
• Allergy testing
• Advanced endoscopic procedures
• Nutritional counseling
• Psychological services

Diagnosing and treating eosinophilic esophagitis

If your child is showing symptoms of EoE, the doctor will use an upper endoscopy and a biopsy to examine your child’s esophagus. If the diagnosis is EoE, the doctor will recommend diet changes or medication to manage your child’s symptoms.

Foods that often cause EoE include:

• Milk
• Soy
• Egg
• Peanut/tree nut
• Wheat
• Seafood/fish

The doctor will use endoscopy is see if the esophagus improves after removing potentially problematic foods from your child’s diet. A number of endoscopies will be necessary to figure out which foods are safe for your child to eat.

Some children with more severe cases could require enteral nutrition, in which liquid formula replaces food. This sometimes requires a feeding tube. Medications, most often asthma inhalers, are also used to treat the inflammation related to EoE.

Severe cases of EoE will need an aggressive treatment plan. We may have to try a few things before we find the best treatment for your child.