May also be called: EE; EoE; EO; Primary Eosinophilic Esophagitis (PEE); Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis (AEE); Idiopathic Eosinophilic Esophagitis (IEE) Eosinophilic esophagitis (ee-o-SIN-o-fil-ik uh-sof-uh-JI-tis) is irritation and swelling of the esophagus caused by a buildup of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the wall of the esophagus. More to Know The esophagus is the muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that the body's immune system produces in response to an allergic reaction or infection. Normally, the wall of the esophagus has no eosinophils. If the body's immune system senses an allergen (something that causes an allergic reaction), it can send lots of eosinophils to the esophagus to deal with it. This can thicken the wall of the esophagus and lead to difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Doctors don't know which allergens cause eosinophilic esophagitis, but they think they're found in certain foods. Genetic and environmental factors also may play a role. Treatment choices include an elimination diet to determine and avoid the foods that can trigger the condition, medications to decrease inflammation and acid production, and occasionally, a procedure to dilate (widen) narrowed parts of the esophagus. Keep in Mind People with eosinophilic esophagitis are more prone to other illnesses associated with allergies, like eczema and asthma. A specialist can help determine if foods are triggering the EE and its symptoms. Symptoms often improve after dietary changes. If this is the case, a dietitian can help to make sure the person gets adequate calories and nutrition. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Digestive System Most people think digestion begins when you first put food in your mouth. But the digestive process actually starts even before the food hits your taste buds. Read More Digestive System The digestive process starts even before the first bite of food. Find out more about the digestive system and how our bodies break down and absorb the food we eat. Read More Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Gastroesophageal reflux disease doesn't just affect old people who eat too much while watching TV. Active, healthy teens can have GERD too. Read More Gastroesophageal Reflux When symptoms of heartburn or acid indigestion happen a lot, it could be gastroesophageal reflux (GER). And it can be a problem for kids - even newborns. Read More Your Digestive System The digestive system breaks down the food you eat. Learn how in this article for kids. Read More Eczema Eczema is a common skin problem among teens. If you have eczema, read this article to find out more about it and how you can deal with the skin stress. Read More Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Eczema can be an itchy nuisance and cause scratching that makes the problem worse. Many kids who have eczema today will be over it by the time they're teens. Read More Eczema Everybody has dry skin once in a while, but eczema is more than just that. If your skin is dry, itchy, red, sore, and scaly, you may have eczema. Learn more about this uncomfortable condition and what you can to do stop itching! Read More Asthma Center Visit our Asthma Center for information and advice on managing and living with asthma. Read More Asthma Center Asthma keeps more kids home from school than any other chronic illness. Learn how to help your child manage the condition, stay healthy, and stay in school. Read More Asthma Center Asthma means breathing problems. Find out what's going on in the lungs and how to stay healthy, if you have it. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.