Digestive
Medicines for Eosinophilic oesophagitis
An allergic-type inflammation of the food pipe that causes difficulty swallowing and food getting stuck — managed with dietary changes, medicines and sometimes stretching the food pipe.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Eosinophilic oesophagitis?
Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a long-term condition in which a type of white blood cell involved in allergy (eosinophils) builds up in the lining of the oesophagus (food pipe), causing inflammation. It is thought to be an allergic reaction, often to certain foods, and is more common in people with other allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema and hay fever.
- How it is treated: Treatment aims to reduce the inflammation, relieve symptoms and prevent narrowing of the oesophagus over time.
- Self-care: Following the agreed dietary approach with dietitian support, taking prescribed treatments consistently, eating carefully (chewing well, taking time) to reduce food sticking, and attending monitoring all help manage EoE and prevent complications.
- When to seek help: See a GP about persistent difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food sticking.
What it is
Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a long-term condition in which a type of white blood cell involved in allergy (eosinophils) builds up in the lining of the oesophagus (food pipe), causing inflammation. It is thought to be an allergic reaction, often to certain foods, and is more common in people with other allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema and hay fever. In adults it typically causes difficulty swallowing (especially solid foods), a feeling of food sticking, and sometimes food becoming stuck (which can be an emergency); in children it may cause feeding difficulties, vomiting, tummy pain and poor growth. It can be mistaken for reflux. Diagnosis is made at endoscopy, with tissue samples showing the eosinophils.
How it is treated
Treatment aims to reduce the inflammation, relieve symptoms and prevent narrowing of the oesophagus over time. The main options, often used in combination or chosen with the person, are: acid-reducing medicines (which help some people), swallowed topical steroid preparations that act on the oesophagus lining, and dietary approaches that remove foods commonly responsible (guided by a dietitian and specialist). Where the oesophagus has narrowed, a stretching procedure (dilatation) during endoscopy can relieve swallowing difficulty. Treatment is usually long-term, with monitoring by endoscopy, and care is guided by a gastroenterologist, often with allergy and dietetic input.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Eosinophilic oesophagitis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Following the agreed dietary approach with dietitian support, taking prescribed treatments consistently, eating carefully (chewing well, taking time) to reduce food sticking, and attending monitoring all help manage EoE and prevent complications.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about persistent difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food sticking. Seek urgent care (A&E) if food becomes stuck and will not pass, or if you cannot swallow your own saliva.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Eosinophilic oesophagitis: frequently asked questions
What is eosinophilic oesophagitis?
It is an allergic-type inflammation of the food pipe, in which allergy-related cells build up in its lining. It causes difficulty swallowing and food sticking, and is more common in people with other allergies.
How is EoE treated?
With acid-reducing medicines, swallowed topical steroids that act on the food pipe, and/or dietary changes guided by a specialist and dietitian. If the food pipe has narrowed, a stretching procedure can help. Treatment is usually long-term.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- British Society of Gastroenterology — EoE guidance
- NHS — Eosinophilic oesophagitis
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