Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is primarily triggered by certain foods, which cause an allergic inflammatory reaction in the esophagus. Identifying and avoiding these specific food triggers is a cornerstone of managing EoE symptoms.
Common Food Triggers for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
While individual triggers can vary significantly from person to person, there are six food groups that are most commonly identified as culprits in triggering EoE. These account for the vast majority of food-induced EoE cases.
Here are the six most common food triggers:
| Food Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Milk and Dairy | Cow's milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream |
| Wheat | Bread, pasta, cereals, baked goods |
| Egg | Chicken eggs, products containing egg |
| Soy | Soy milk, tofu, edamame, soy sauce |
| Peanuts and Tree Nuts | Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios |
| Fish and Shellfish | Salmon, tuna, shrimp, crab, lobster |
Understanding EoE Triggers and Diagnosis
It's important to understand that EoE is not a typical food allergy that causes immediate, severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Instead, it's a chronic inflammatory condition where exposure to trigger foods leads to a build-up of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the esophageal lining over time, causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and reflux that doesn't respond to antacids.
Identifying the exact food triggers usually involves a process of elimination and reintroduction under medical supervision. This often includes:
- Elimination Diets: Patients remove common trigger foods from their diet for a period (e.g., 6-8 weeks) to see if symptoms improve.
- Endoscopy with Biopsy: After the elimination phase, an endoscopy is performed to check for reduced eosinophil counts in the esophagus, confirming if the diet was effective.
- Reintroduction: Foods are then gradually reintroduced one by one, with repeat endoscopies, to pinpoint the specific triggers. This meticulous process helps create a personalized diet plan.
Managing EoE Through Diet
Working closely with a healthcare team, including gastroenterologists and registered dietitians, is crucial for individuals with EoE. They can guide the diagnostic process, help ensure nutritional adequacy during elimination phases, and develop a sustainable, personalized diet plan that minimizes symptoms and promotes esophageal health. Resources like those provided by leading children's hospitals often offer comprehensive information on EoE diets.
