When you think of allergic reactions, you probably envision
itchy eyes and a runny nose. But an allergic reaction can occur
in the esophagus ? your food pipe ? as well. Symptoms happen
when your immune system produces too many white blood cells in
reaction to an allergy-causing substance. The white blood cells
involved are called eosinophils. The condition is called
eosinophilic esophagitis, or EE or EoE. It affects between one
and four of every 10,000 people in the U.S. Symptoms of EoE vary
from person to person and may include: Acid reflux that doesn?t
respond well to medication Trouble eating and swallowing food
Food getting stuck in the throat Having to drink a lot of fluid
to finish a meal Feeling too full to continue eating halfway
through a meal Stunted growth or poor weight gain in children
Who?s at risk The disease affects both children and adults, but
is more common in men. People with asthma and food or
environmental allergies have a much greater chance of developing
it. Your doctor will take your