The link between allergies and eosinophilic esophagitis: implications for management strategies.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) has an increased incidence of diagnosis similar to other atopic diseases. We present a recent literature review of the common features between atopic diseases (i.e., asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis) and EE. All of the disorders have allergen triggers and evidence of a possible Th2 inflammation at the site of disease. Murine models have also shown similar features with the importance of T cells and Th2 cytokines for the development of disease. The diseases share underlying inflammation with the potential for remodeling with an increase in TGF-beta expression in asthma and EE. However, differences do exist between the diseases in treatment and pathogenesis. For EE, there are two basic treatment options: avoidance of the food triggers or treatment of the eosinophilic inflammation with corticosteroids.
Brown-Whitehorn
Terri F
TF
Division of Allergy and Immunology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3550 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. brownte@email.chop.edu
Spergel
Jonathan M
JM
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001688:Biological Products / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001688:Biological Products; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists