Symptoms Of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Difficulty Feeding And Eating

A child who has difficulty feeding and eating may be affected by eosinophilic esophagitis as the underlying cause of their feeding dysfunction. Infants may present with a chronic refusal of solid foods. Many infants and young toddlers affected by eosinophilic esophagitis refused to consume meats, fruits, and vegetables unless they have been completely pureed. This feeding dysfunction makes it difficult for the introduction of new foods at the ages when it is most critical. Infants and toddlers with eosinophilic esophagitis are only able to express that the consumption of solid food is difficult or painful by the refusal to eat such foods and frustration with the process. These children may spit food out or vomit the food back up shortly after swallowing it. When solid foods are given in the pureed form, the affected child may be more open to feeding because it does not cause them to experience pain or discomfort when larger solid particles are not present.

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Coughing

Coughing is a common reflex action that helps an individual clear their throat of foreign irritants, food particles, and mucus. Individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis can develop scar tissue in the lining of their esophagus that causes it to become permanently narrowed. This narrowing of the esophagus can cause food particles to become stuck at the back of the throat when individuals swallow more food than can move through the esophagus at any given time. When food particles become stuck in the patient's throat, certain nerve endings trigger the reflex of coughing in an attempt to expel and dislodge food particles. Chronic coughing is often reported in individuals in the beginning stages of eosinophilic esophagitis and those who have had the condition for several years with or without medical intervention.