If you have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing for solid foods), then eosinophilic esophagitis is suspected even though have the symptom of dysphagia.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis Diagnosis
Eosinophilic esophagitis is mostly diagnosed using esophago gastroduodenoscopy (EGD). EGD is used to view the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum with a small camera (endoscope) which is inserted down the throat to examine inner lining of the esophagus (also stomach and duodenum).
Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis when diagnosed with EGD may see abnormalities on the inner layer of the esophagus:
- Narrowing of the esophagus tube
- Numerous rings along the full length of the esophagus
- Small white spots (represents pus made of a dying eosinophil’s mound) on the esophagus
- Grooves or deep wrinkles on the esophagus
The above observation on the inner layer of the esophagus suggests eosinophilic esophagitis.
If these abnormalities are absorbed on the esophagus, then eosinophilic esophagitis is confirmed with biopsy of the esophagus inner lining. The biopsy is down by inserting a long thin forceps through the endoscope that pinches off a small sample of tissue of the esophagus lining. This sample of esophagus tissue collected during the biopsy is examining under a microscope for the presence of eosinophils.
Biopsy is advice, even if there is no abnormality is noted during endoscopic examination of esophagus but have the symptom of dysphagia without reasons. Many with eosinophilic esophagitis do not have any abnormality in the inner lining of esophagus, but having the symptoms of dysphagia without known reasons.