Eosinophilic Esophagitis

My 13 yo daughter was diagnosed 2 years ago with eosinophilic esophagitis, and reflux.  She was put on Singulair and Allegra, and was already on Prevacid 30 mg daily.  She was doing fairly well, until recently, and the stomach pain and vomiting has started again.  I took her to her ped GI and they are going to do another scope and biopsy.  My question is, how common is this disorder and what are some of the further treatments.  Can this usually be controlled well with meds?  The GI did add Zantac 300 at bedtime and Carafate qid. in the meantime.  The children's hospital usually takes a couple of months to actually get a non-emergency EGD done.  I don't feel her case is an emergency, and will try to wait till they can get it done.  

Thank you for your time.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Eosonophilic esophagitis was rarely diagnosed before the past decade. But now more cases are being diagnosed.
The incidence varies in different parts of the world .
Eosinophilic esophagitis do not respond to antireflux medications.
There are no uniform guidelines regarding the treatment.
Various treatment options that are available include - special diets, steroids, mast cell inhibitors, antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists.
Singulair is a leukotriene antagonist and Allegra is an antihistamine.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.