Question 1

What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?

Accepted Answer

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune system disease where eosinophils accumulate in the esophagus causing inflammation and difficulty swallowing. It is caused by immune reactions to specific food allergens, environmental allergens, or acid reflux that trigger eosinophil buildup in the esophageal tissue. The Lemon (f208) IgG test is the most important test for identifying food sensitivities that may be triggering EoE symptoms.

Question 2

What causes Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Accepted Answer

Eosinophilic Esophagitis is caused by an abnormal immune response to specific food allergens, environmental allergens, or acid reflux. Common food triggers include milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish, as well as acidic fruits like lemons and tomatoes. When your immune system mistakenly identifies these foods as threats, it sends eosinophils (white blood cells) to the esophagus, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Environmental allergens like pollen and dust mites can also contribute to EoE flare-ups in some people.

Question 3

What is the best test for Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Accepted Answer

The Lemon (f208) IgG test is the most important blood test for identifying food sensitivities that may be triggering EoE because it detects IgG antibodies specific to lemon proteins, which can cause immune reactions in the esophagus. While EoE is primarily diagnosed through endoscopy and tissue biopsy to confirm eosinophil accumulation, food allergy blood tests like the Lemon IgG are essential for identifying dietary triggers. Comprehensive food sensitivity panels testing for common allergens like milk, eggs, wheat, soy, and other fruits are often recommended to create a complete elimination diet plan that can significantly reduce symptoms and inflammation.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience difficulty swallowing solid foods, food getting stuck in your throat, chest pain that does not respond to antacids, chronic heartburn that does not improve with reflux medication, or frequent vomiting and nausea after eating. Testing is especially important if you have a history of food allergies, asthma, eczema, or seasonal allergies, as these conditions are commonly associated with EoE. Early identification of food triggers through blood testing can help you avoid esophageal damage and improve your quality of life before symptoms become severe.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms of EoE include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), food impaction where food gets stuck in the throat or chest, persistent heartburn that does not respond to acid-reducing medications, chest pain or discomfort after eating, and regurgitation of undigested food. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and weight loss. In children, EoE may present as feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, or refusing to eat certain foods. Symptoms often worsen after consuming trigger foods and may be mistaken for acid reflux or GERD.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Accepted Answer

People with a history of allergic conditions are at higher risk for EoE, including those with food allergies, asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. EoE is more common in males than females and typically develops in children and young adults, though it can occur at any age. People with a family history of EoE or other allergic diseases have an increased risk. Those living in temperate climates or areas with high allergen exposure may also be more susceptible to developing this condition.

Question 7

What happens if Eosinophilic Esophagitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated EoE leads to chronic inflammation that causes the esophagus to narrow and develop scar tissue, making swallowing progressively more difficult. You may experience frequent food impactions requiring emergency medical intervention to remove stuck food. Long-term inflammation can cause permanent structural changes to the esophagus called strictures and fibrosis, which may require surgical dilation procedures. Untreated EoE significantly impacts quality of life, leading to malnutrition, weight loss, anxiety around eating, and social limitations due to difficulty eating in public.

Question 8

Can Eosinophilic Esophagitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

EoE cannot be diagnosed with blood tests alone, as definitive diagnosis requires an endoscopy with tissue biopsy showing elevated eosinophil counts in the esophageal lining. However, blood tests play a crucial supporting role by identifying food sensitivities and allergies that trigger the condition. Food allergy blood tests like IgG and IgE panels help identify which foods are causing your immune system to react. These blood tests guide elimination diets that are essential for managing EoE and reducing inflammation, making them an important part of your overall treatment strategy.

Question 9

How is Eosinophilic Esophagitis treated?

Accepted Answer

EoE is treated through a combination of dietary elimination, medications, and ongoing monitoring. Elimination diets remove trigger foods identified through blood testing or empirical elimination of common allergens like milk, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, and fish. Medications include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid and inflammation, swallowed topical corticosteroids to decrease eosinophil levels, and biologic medications for severe cases. Treatment requires working with both a gastroenterologist and allergist to identify triggers, manage symptoms, and monitor disease progression through periodic endoscopies to assess esophageal healing.

Question 10

How can I prevent Eosinophilic Esophagitis flare-ups?

Accepted Answer

Preventing EoE flare-ups requires strict avoidance of identified food triggers discovered through allergy testing. Keep a detailed food diary to track symptoms and identify patterns between what you eat and when symptoms occur. Work with a dietitian to ensure your elimination diet provides adequate nutrition while avoiding triggers. Manage environmental allergies with appropriate medications during high pollen seasons, as these can worsen EoE symptoms. Take prescribed medications consistently, including PPIs or swallowed corticosteroids, and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Accepted Answer

At home, eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to reduce the risk of food getting stuck in your esophagus. Drink plenty of water with meals to help food pass through more easily. Avoid acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and spicy foods that can irritate the esophagus. Keep your head elevated after eating and avoid lying down for at least three hours after meals. Consider working with a dietitian to develop nutritious meal plans that avoid your trigger foods while ensuring you get adequate calories and nutrients. Keep emergency contact information readily available in case food becomes impacted and requires medical attention.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Eosinophilic Esophagitis Blood Test

What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?

What causes Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

What is the best test for Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

When should I get tested for Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

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