Have you ever felt like something was stuck in your throat while eating, or that it was hard for food to go down? Maybe you or someone you know has a condition called Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE for short. Since it is a long-term condition, it is important to be aware of the problems or complications that can occur if it is not treated properly. So let's talk about it today, without being afraid, in a very simple way.
First, let's see, what is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?
Simply put, EoE is when your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach, becomes inflamed due to an allergy. We have a type of immune system cell in our bodies called eosinophils. These cells are usually activated in response to allergies and parasitic infections. However, in someone with EoE, a large number of these eosinophils accumulate in the esophagus, causing swelling, or inflammation, inside the esophagus.
Think of it like a water pipe getting clogged with dirt and getting narrower. That's what happens when your esophagus swells. This is not something that will affect your lifespan, that is, it is not a life-threatening disease. But it can have a big impact on your quality of life. Although it cannot be completely cured, if you treat it properly (with medication and diet), you can completely control it and live a normal life without any problems. The most important thing is to follow the treatment plan given by the doctor exactly.
Major complications that may occur if left untreated
If you don't treat it, those eosinophils I mentioned earlier will continue to accumulate in the esophagus and increase inflammation. This can lead to several serious problems over time. Let's look at the table below to understand these problems clearly.
| Complication | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Short-term problems | Difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Food does not go down easily because the esophagus is swollen. |
| Scarring of the esophagus (Fibrosis) | Long-term inflammation causes the walls of the esophagus to develop thick, hard scar tissue, much like a scar that forms when a wound heals. |
| Narrowing of the esophagus (Stricture) | That scar tissue narrows the passageway inside the esophagus, making it very difficult to swallow solid food. |
| Food Impaction | This is a medical emergency. The narrowing of the esophagus causes a piece of food to become completely stuck, making it impossible to swallow even a drop of saliva. |
| Perforation of the esophagus | This is a very rare occurrence. A hole in the wall of the esophagus can occur due to excessive swelling, vomiting, or food aspiration. It can also sometimes occur as a complication of a diagnostic test (endoscopy). |
Food Impaction - This is not a game!
Let's talk about this a little more, because it can be very dangerous. Imagine that you're eating dinner and suddenly something like a piece of meat gets stuck in your throat, and you can't even drink a little water to get it out. You can't even swallow, and you get chest pain.
If this happens, do not try to treat it at home. This is a medical emergency. You should immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
At the ETU, doctors can use a procedure called ``endoscopy'', which involves inserting a tube with a camera, to remove the stuck piece of food. If this is done late, there is a high chance of damage to the esophagus.
Long-term effects and mental health
If you're always afraid to eat, and feel like you'll choke when you eat, how does that affect your mind? EoE is a condition that affects not only your physical health, but also your mental health.
- Fear of eating: Every meal can feel like a challenge.
- Avoiding social occasions: You may not want to go out to eat with friends or attend a party.
- Stress and anxiety: Constantly thinking about illness and being afraid of food is not good for your mental health.
If you are experiencing these feelings, don't be shy about talking to your doctor. These feelings are normal. And, with proper treatment, these feelings will go away.
So, what should we do to avoid these complications?
The best and only answer to this is to strictly follow the treatment plan provided by your doctor.
1. Use the medication correctly: Your doctor may prescribe medications such as steroid inhalers to reduce inflammation in your airways. It is important to take these exactly as prescribed, at the correct dose and for the correct duration. Do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to, even if your symptoms disappear.
2. Diet: The main cause of EoE is food allergies. The main ones are dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat. Your doctor will recommend a diet that is right for you. You may also need to do allergy testing to find out exactly what foods you are allergic to.
3. Regular medical follow-up : Stay in touch with your doctor regularly. Don't skip clinic appointments. If there is a change in symptoms or if you have any new problems, inform your doctor.
Remember, EoE is not something you can manage alone. It is a partnership between you and your doctor. If you cooperate properly, you can definitely live a healthy, happy life without any of these complications.
Take-Home Message
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a long-term allergic condition that affects the esophagus, but it can be well controlled with proper treatment.
- If left untreated, serious complications such as narrowing of the esophagus, scarring, and food poisoning can occur.
- If you get a complete blockage while swallowing food, it is an emergency. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- The best way to avoid complications is to strictly follow the medication and dietary instructions given by your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about the stress caused by this condition. You are not alone.
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