Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated condition where certain foods trigger inflammation in the esophagus, making eating painful and difficult. Since food allergies are a primary cause of EoE, dietary management is a key part of treatment—especially for children.
The most frequently implicated foods in EoE are:
Dairy (Milk)
Eggs
Nuts
Beef
Wheat
Fish & Shellfish
Corn
Soy
However, any food can be a trigger, and some children react to multiple foods.
Unlike typical food allergies, standard allergy tests (like skin or blood tests) are not always reliable for EoE. This makes identifying problem foods difficult. Many patients must undergo an elimination diet, where suspected allergens are removed and then reintroduced one at a time to pinpoint triggers.
In severe cases, when dietary elimination fails to control symptoms, a strict elemental diet may be necessary. This means removing all solid foods and replacing them with a specialized amino acid-based formula for 1 to 3 months to allow the esophagus to heal. After that, foods are carefully reintroduced while monitoring for reactions.
Since symptoms of EoE are not always obvious, repeat endoscopies with biopsies are often required to check for esophageal healing and inflammation. Your child’s gastroenterologist will determine the best timing for follow-ups.
Managing EoE can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. A multidisciplinary approach—including pediatric gastroenterologists, allergists, dietitians, and support communities—can help you navigate this journey.
Has your child undergone an elimination diet? What worked (or didn’t) for your family?
The most frequently implicated foods in EoE are:
Dairy (Milk)
Eggs
Nuts
Beef
Wheat
Fish & Shellfish
Corn
Soy
However, any food can be a trigger, and some children react to multiple foods.
Unlike typical food allergies, standard allergy tests (like skin or blood tests) are not always reliable for EoE. This makes identifying problem foods difficult. Many patients must undergo an elimination diet, where suspected allergens are removed and then reintroduced one at a time to pinpoint triggers.
In severe cases, when dietary elimination fails to control symptoms, a strict elemental diet may be necessary. This means removing all solid foods and replacing them with a specialized amino acid-based formula for 1 to 3 months to allow the esophagus to heal. After that, foods are carefully reintroduced while monitoring for reactions.
Since symptoms of EoE are not always obvious, repeat endoscopies with biopsies are often required to check for esophageal healing and inflammation. Your child’s gastroenterologist will determine the best timing for follow-ups.
Managing EoE can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. A multidisciplinary approach—including pediatric gastroenterologists, allergists, dietitians, and support communities—can help you navigate this journey.
Has your child undergone an elimination diet? What worked (or didn’t) for your family?
