HOW TO KNOW IF
MY CHILD HAS EoE?

EoE is a long-term disease that can have ongoing effects, but it
often goes undiagnosed. It’s important to get a diagnosis early so
your child can get the help they need.

The Signs and
Symptoms of EoE
in Children

If your child is showing any of the symptoms or clues listed below, make an appointment with an EoE specialist.

Food refusal
Vomiting
Heartburn/acid reflux
Symptoms similar to
gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD)
Difficulty swallowing
Excessive chewing
Uncooperative
around food
Adding excessive
sauces or liquids
Slow eating
Irritability
Failure to maintain
weight and grow

Want to monitor your child’s
symptoms more effectively?

Download Our
Symptom Tracker

TIP: Encourage your child to draw
how eating makes them feel and/or
take a
screenshot
of the symptoms above to
help have a conversation
with their doctor.

Types of Specialists

Gastroenterologist (GI)

A doctor who specializes in digestive health issues; the only doctor who can perform endoscopy with biopsy, which is necessary to diagnose EoE

Allergist

A doctor who treats allergies, asthma, and other immune conditions, including EoE

Confirm It’s EoE

  • Talk to your child’s doctor about any food or eating issues
  • Get referred to a pediatric GI
  • For complete care, visits to both a GI and an allergist may be necessary
  • Diagnosis requires an endoscopy and biopsy samples

EoE Might Be Mistaken for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD occurs when stomach acids flows back into the esophagus, leading to irritation. While GERD
and EoE may share similar symptoms, their treatment is not always the same.

Remember that misdiagnosis of EoE is common. Advocate to make sure your child is being seen by
the right doctor and getting proper care.

Find a Pediatric Specialist

What Treatments Can Help Children With EoE?

Once diagnosed, it’s important to learn about your treatment options. Different treatments vary
based on how they’re taken and the level of symptom relief they provide.

Diet

The elimination of certain
food groups by trial can
be used to manage EoE

Medical Therapies

Different methods to treat EoE
symptoms include proton pump
inhibitors (PPIs), swallowed
topical steroids, and biologics

Esophageal Dilation

An endoscopic treatment
procedure that stretches
the esophagus

Discuss all treatment options with your child’s doctor. To aid your conversation, use our
interactive patient brochure featuring valuable discussion points and child-friendly activities to
involve your child in the process.

Download the Brochure

Growing Up With EoE

Those with EoE may experience slowed growth due to difficulty swallowing, food restrictions, and inflammation in the esophagus.

Monitor your child’s growth to track their progress and ensure they’re on the right path.

View CDC Growth Charts

Managing EoE at School

Accommodate: Discuss any extra needs your child may have during meals with their teacher, the school nurse, and school administrators

Plan: Consider seeing if your child is eligible for an IEP or 504 plan to help support them

Adjust: Communicate regularly with your child’s school for updates or changes related to their condition

Caring for the Caregiver

Recognizing and Avoiding Burnout

Being a caregiver is a demanding, round-the-clock role. Taking care of your needs and
preventing burnout lets you better care for others.

  • Explore self-care strategies
  • Find support
  • Get tips on managing stress
Find Relief From Burnout

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