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Eosinophilic esophagitis – Common warning signs and management options

Eosinophilic esophagitis – Common warning signs and management options

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE or EoE) is an allergic reaction in the esophagus usually triggered by allergens, such as dust, mites, germs, and certain foods. During an episode, the immune system releases white blood cells called eosinophils. These cells cause the esophagus to become inflamed, so it cannot contract properly. Over time, the esophagus becomes narrow, developing abscesses or rings. As this happens, certain warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis become evident.

Warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis
In most cases, the early signs are similar to other health problems like reflux and GERD. The signs start showing up only when the inflammation of the esophagus becomes severe. Often, the symptoms are more severe in children than in adults.

Signs in adults
The warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis in adults include:

Difficulty swallowing (also known as dysphagia)
Impaction or food getting stuck in the esophagus as it becomes narrow
Occasional mild to severe pain at the center of the chest that does not go away
Frequent regurgitation or backflow of undigested food

Signs in children
Parents may notice the following signs in children and infants:

Trouble feeding infants
Difficulty eating among children
Frequent instances of vomiting
Mild to severe abdominal pain
Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing (similar to adults)
Impaction or food getting stuck in the esophagus after swallowing
The ineffectiveness of GERD treatments
Failure to meet growth and developmental milestones

When should one consult a doctor?
Seeking expert attention is essential as soon as the warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis start to show. Visiting a doctor is especially important if one is experiencing the symptoms for the first time. It is helpful to consult a primary care doctor if one is experiencing mild to severe chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath or jaw or arm pain.

Management options for eosinophilic esophagitis
An excellent way to manage the condition is to first understand what’s causing the allergic reactions and then work toward avoiding the triggers. Allergens in food are a common culprit, so many patients consider following an elimination meal plan. It involves avoiding foods that are known to trigger the symptoms. Individuals usually avoid one triggering food at a time and wait to see whether the symptoms disappear. If the symptoms do not show up after stopping a particular food, it becomes evident that the eliminated food or food groups are the culprit. While this approach helps manage eosinophilic esophagitis, individuals should speak to an expert before trying it out. The professional can advise one on how to go about following an elimination meal plan safely.

Individuals should note that eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic relapsing disease. Also, most allergic reactions usually appear in a few days to a few weeks after exposure to the allergen. So, one must continue the management and treatment plans for a sustained period to understand which ones are really working. Along with elimination meal plans, doctors may suggest treatments for esophageal dilation. Patients should follow the expert’s advice to avoid complications and achieve the best outcome.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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