Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune system disease where white blood cells (eosinophils) build up in the lining of the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The buildup results from reactions to foods, allergens, or acid reflux and may inflame or injure the esophageal tissue. While the condition can be managed well in many cases, it must be diagnosed early. The following are nine common warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Dysphagia
When a person swallows food, it moves from the oral cavity to the upper airway and into the digestive tract. However, health conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis disrupt this process. Consequently, the patient may find it hard to swallow food or water, needing immediate expert attention.

Impaction
When food gets firmly stuck in the esophagus, it is called “food impaction.” This symptom may occur due to severe esophageal inflammation and progressive fibrosis. These complications narrow the esophageal lumen, causing food to get stuck. Patients may require immediate healthcare intervention if the food does not pass into the stomach.

Vomiting
Those who suffer from impaction due to eosinophilic esophagitis may also experience signs like vomiting. When food does not pass into the stomach, it might climb back into the mouth, resulting in vomiting. The backflow of food is also known as regurgitation. If one notices this symptom without underlying causes, they should consult a professional for evaluation.

Discomfort in the chest
Chest discomfort could be associated with complications in the heart, lungs, digestive system, and other organs. It can also occur due to chronic immune system diseases like eosinophilic esophagitis. More than half of the patients with this condition complain about spontaneously occurring chest pain. Some experience pain in their chest after indulging in an exercise routine.

Globus
Also known as globus pharyngeus or globus sensation, this is a symptom where one feels the presence of a lump in their throat. It might result from several factors, including increased muscle tension or irritation in the throat. Patients may experience tightness or pressure in their throat or feel like they have mucus that they cannot clear. Globus is one of the early warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Heartburn
Usually, GERD leads to heartburn and regurgitation, while eosinophilic esophagitis leads to episodes of dysphagia and food impaction. However, the symptoms of the two may often overlap, so one should consult with an expert for a proper diagnosis. Those who use treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis may notice side effects like a relaxed muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter. This side effect may, in turn, lead to GERD symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn. Healthcare experts are constantly researching to learn more about the link between eosinophilic esophagitis and heartburn.

Itchy throat
An itchy throat is a common indicator of allergies and infections. Most people experience this symptom frequently, which is easily curable with treatment and home remedies. However, an itchy throat may sometimes result from chronic immune system diseases like eosinophilic esophagitis. If one develops this sign without any underlying cause, they must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional. The expert may conduct serial esophageal biopsies and food allergy testing to determine if the root cause of the itchy throat is eosinophilic esophagitis.

Anxiety and depression
Eosinophilic esophagitis might also have symptoms linked to one’s mental health. For instance, some people with the disorder experience anxiety and depression. This usually happens when the symptoms are left untreated. Sadly, such mental health symptoms can worsen during flare-ups, lowering one’s quality of life. Therefore, one should pay close attention to the symptoms and control them after consultation with a trained professional.

Stomach pain
One of the most common warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis is stomach pain. This disease is caused by allergies to certain foods or environmental allergens. When one eats something they are allergic to, it may trigger eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms, followed by pain in the stomach. Stomach pain is often mistaken as a symptom of something else, such as a reaction to stale foods. One might require allergy testing to determine what they are allergic to and develop a suitable treatment plan. The expert may also ask the patient to change their meal regime to manage their condition better in the long run.