Do you feel like your throat is getting tight or you have trouble swallowing food when you eat? Sometimes it happens when we eat too quickly. But if you experience this discomfort all the time, it is not normal. There may be a medical reason behind it. Today we are talking about Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a condition that many people are not aware of, but which causes such discomfort.
What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?
Simply put, Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic condition that occurs in our esophagus , the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Think of our immune system as an army defending a country. One special type of soldier in this army is called eosinophils . These are a type of white blood cell. Their job is usually to fight off harmful substances, such as parasites, that enter the body.
But something different happens in someone with EoE. Here, our immune system goes a little crazy, mistaking certain foods (food triggers) or things in the environment (allergens) for the enemy. Because of this misguided signal, a large number of those eosinophil soldiers come and gather in the esophagus. They come there and start a fight. As a result of this fight, the walls of the esophagus swell and become inflamed .
What happens when this swelling occurs? The esophagus narrows from the inside. Just like when dirt gets stuck in a water pipe, it narrows. That's when we have difficulty swallowing food, and it feels like food is stuck.
What are the main symptoms of this condition?
The symptoms of EoE may vary slightly with age, but these are the most common symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia) | This is the main symptom. A feeling of difficulty in swallowing food while eating. Having to swallow slowly. |
| Choking in the food pipe | Feeling like a lump of food is stuck in the throat, neither going down nor up. Sometimes this can be an emergency and you may need to go to the emergency room. |
| Chest pain or inflammation | You may experience heartburn or pain in the chest, similar to gastritis. This is often not treated with gastritis medications. |
| Vomiting or stomach pain | These symptoms are especially common among young children and adolescents. |
The important thing is that if this condition is not treated properly, the swelling in the esophagus can increase over time and cause scarring. This can further narrow the esophagus and worsen symptoms.
How is this treated with the medicine Eohilia?
Eohilia is a liquid medication introduced to treat EoE. It contains a drug called budesonide . Budesonide is a type of corticosteroid . It works by reducing inflammation, or swelling, in the body.
When you drink Eohilia, the liquid goes straight to the walls of the esophagus and is absorbed into it. It's like applying medicine to a wound. When it's absorbed, the medicine directly reduces the number of those pesky eosinophils in the esophagus. It also controls the unwanted activity of the immune system and reduces inflammation.
As the swelling decreases, the esophagus gradually opens up again, reducing the difficulty in swallowing. This medicine also prevents further damage to the esophagus.
How to use Eohilia?
Eohilia is a liquid medicine. It is usually recommended to be used twice a day (morning and evening) for a period of 12 weeks. It comes in small packets (stick packs) that contain a single dose.
How to use:
1. Prepare: Take the medicine packet and shake it well for at least 10 seconds . This will mix the liquid inside well and make it come out easily.
2. Take the medicine: Open the packet and pour the entire amount of liquid directly into your mouth. Then swallow it completely.
3. Rinse your mouth: 30 minutes after swallowing the medicine, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out. This is to prevent side effects such as oral thrush.
Very important: Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking Eohilia. This is the time for the medicine to be absorbed into the digestive tract and to work properly.
Also, avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication, as it may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What does the research on this drug say?
Two clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of Eohilia. This involved people aged 11 and over with EoE. These people were divided into two groups, one group was given Eohilia and the other group was given a placebo for 12 weeks.
The results of the study clearly showed that those who took Eohilia had significantly less difficulty swallowing than those who took placebo. It was also confirmed that the number of eosinophils in the esophagus of those who took Eohilia had decreased by a very high percentage . This shows that this drug directly controls the inflammation that causes the disease.
How long does it take to see the results of the medicine?
It may take a few weeks to see the full effects of Eohilia. So don't worry if you don't feel much difference right away. Be patient and continue to use the medicine as directed. If you have any doubts about whether the medicine is working or not, talk to your doctor about it.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with Eohilia. So when you see your doctor, tell him about all the medications you are currently taking. That means prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and herbal supplements.
Some medications, especially those that block the CYP3A4 enzyme in our body, should not be taken with Eohilia. Your doctor will advise you on this.
How do you know if the medicine is working?
The best way to know this is to keep track of your symptoms. Before you start taking the medication, keep a record of how much difficulty you have swallowing food and what foods get stuck. After a few weeks of taking the medication, see if the discomfort has eased. This way, tracking your symptoms will help both you and your doctor know if the medication is working.
Take-Home Message
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic condition that affects the esophagus. In this condition, the esophagus becomes inflamed due to a malfunction of the immune system.
- Difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck, and chest pain are the main symptoms.
- Eohilia is a liquid corticosteroid medication used to treat this condition. It reduces swelling in the larynx.
- When using the medicine, it is very important to refrain from eating or drinking for 30 minutes after taking it and to rinse your mouth afterwards.
- If you continue to have difficulty swallowing, do not ignore it and seek advice from a doctor as soon as possible.
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