Eosinophilic esophagitis: A relevant entity for the otolaryngologist

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Gastroenterology
• Allergy Immunology

Background:

• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is a recently recognized condition with increasing prevalence.
• Diagnosis poses challenges across medical specialties, with significant involvement from Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists.
• Clinical suspicion arises from recurrent food impaction or pediatric eating disorders with hypersensitivity history.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize EE as a differential diagnosis for deglutition disorders.
• To outline clinical symptoms that should prompt ENT specialists to initiate diagnostic procedures.
• To underscore the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary management of EE.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches for EE.
• Highlighting the role of transnasal esophagoscopy as an in-office diagnostic tool for ENT specialists.
• Emphasizing the need for collaboration among ENT, pediatrics, gastroenterology, allergy, and pathology.

Main Results:

• Transnasal esophagoscopy is an effective in-office method to reduce underdiagnosis of EE.
• ENT specialists encounter numerous patients with deglutition disorders, making them key in identifying potential EE cases.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is paramount for comprehensive EE management.

Conclusions:

• Early recognition of EE by ENT specialists is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
• A multidisciplinary approach involving various medical experts ensures optimal patient outcomes.
• Dietary management, focusing on identifying and eliminating trigger foods, is central to treating this immune-mediated esophageal disease.