There are medical and lifestyle tweaks that can help manage both your allergies and EoE symptoms.
First off, you’ll want to determine your trigger foods — and avoid them. “Elimination diets are often a first-line treatment,” says Dr. Huang. You’ll likely start by cutting out common allergens (eggs, nuts, soy, etc.) from your diet; then, your gastroenterologist will do a biopsy of your esophagus to see if the inflammation is under control. If so, you may slowly reintroduce foods back into your diet. Once you know your triggers, avoiding them entirely is best.
Milk and wheat also common triggers of EoE, and can contribute to food impaction, which occurs when food becomes lodged in the esophagus, so you might want to cut out those foods as well. In fact, people with EoE who eliminated milk from their diet reduced their esophageal symptoms by 34 percent, according to a recent study.
[2]
It’s also important to take steps to deal with environmental allergens if you have them, though this may have less of a direct impact on esophageal symptoms. Seeing an allergist to narrow in on your exact allergies is a good first step. Talk with them about whether you should get an allergy shot or take an antihistamine regularly.
If seasonal allergies tend to worsen your EoE, check the pollen count in your area and avoid the outdoors on days when it’s high. If possible, try to keep the windows closed — pollen can come in through an open window or door — and shower at night to remove pollen from your body before bed so you’re not inhaling it all night.
Finally, talk with your doctor about your symptoms to determine if your current medications are adequate or if you need to make adjustments. EoE and its related conditions are quite varied and can turn critical quickly, so getting a correct diagnosis and treatment plan is key.
