The symptoms ofeosinophilic esophagitiscan vary and include difficulty swallowing, heartburn, and food impaction.
While eosinophilic esophagitis and itssymptomscan be managed, there is no known cure for this condition.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Emotional
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a serious condition with no known cure.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
While treatment options are always evolving, this disease can significantly impact your quality of life.
Adults
Eosinophilic esophagitis can cause food impaction and difficulty breathing.
These symptoms are medical emergencies and require immediate care.
Living with the thought of not being able to swallow or breathe is very frightening.
Feeling anxious is a normal response.
In addition to the symptoms, eosinophilic esophagitis requires treatments that may lead to anxiety and depression.
First, if you have been concerned about your mood, talk with your doctor.
Consider meeting with apsychologist or therapistto discuss your worries and learn new tools to cope more effectively.
When they know your concerns, they will be better able to support you.
Children
Children with eosinophilic esophagitis also experience increased rates of anxiety and depression.
This is especially true when they are at school or otherwise away from home.
These worries may lead to social anxiety and school avoidance behaviors.
Children with eosinophilic esophagitis are more likely to demonstrate behavioral problems and adjustment issues at school as well.
Caregivers
When a child has a chronic health condition, the entire family is affected.
Parents experienced anxiety over theemotional stress of caregivingand the financial burden of several hospital visits.
Parents also had the added stress of having to miss work for their childs frequent medical appointments.
If you have been experiencing frustrations over your childs health issues, you are not alone.
Feeling angry, depressed, or anxious does not make you a bad parent.
It makes you human.
Know that you are experiencing a normal reaction to a challenging situation.
These diets aim to identify any food allergens that trigger an increased number of eosinophils in the esophagus.
Social support is essential for living well with this chronic condition.
Consider joining a local support group or online community.
Helping your child stay connected to their friends and teachers is helpful but may be difficult.
Talk with personnel at your childs school about your son or daughter’s health needs and any needed accommodations.
This is guaranteed by the Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) regulation.
Schedule a meeting with your childs teacher, guidance counselor, and school nurse.
Be sure to keep all communication with the school in writing and ask for email summaries of any meetings.
Practical
It may feel as though eosinophilic esophagitis affects every area of your life.
The following list may help you navigate certain social and practical situations.
When visiting a restaurant, go in with a plan.
Call the restaurant ahead of time and ask to speak with the manager or chef.
Explain your situation and ask if they can accommodate you.
When you arrive at the restaurant for your meal, check in with the person you spoke to.
Consider visiting the restaurant during a slow time when the kitchen staff wont be hurried or distracted.
Parties
Getting together with loved ones is an important part of life.
Its natural to feel nervous about eating at someone elses home, though.
If you are attending a potluck, offer to bring a dish that you know is safe.
It may be helpful to remember that not all social situations have to involve food.
Ask your friends if theyd like to meet for miniature golf, bowling, or simply a long walk.
If youd like to go out for a meal, try packing a picnic and hitting the park.
There are creative ways to stay social and safe.
Travel
When traveling, it is best to pack your own food for the trip.
Pack plenty of snacks for the flight or car ride.
This will allow you to bring safe food with you.
Work
It can be difficult to know how to handle your illness at work.
Remember that you cannot be penalized at work because of a health issue.
You are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which prohibits job discrimination.
Summary
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic disease with no known cure.
It is natural to experience anxiety and depression because of your symptoms or treatments.
Remember that these reactions are normal and there is help.
It’s important to adhere to your medical therapy and reach out for support often.
Dont hesitate to ask for any accommodations you need.
If those treatment options are unsuccessful, your medical team may recommend esophageal dilation.
However, chest pain could also indicate heart disease and should never be ignored.
If you are having chest pain, call your doctor or seek emergency treatment.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eosinophilic esophagitis: Symptoms, diagnosis & treatment.
Updated February 24, 2020.
2020 Jan;145(1):1-7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.11.011
American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders.For adults.
