European Medical Journal Gastroenterology (Dec 2016)
EOSINOPHILIC OESOPHAGITIS: FROM RARE TO COMMONPLACE, WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL EXPLANATIONS?
Abstract
In this century, eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) has become a more recognised allergic disease, resulting in the publication of two consensus reports as the information of its pathophysiology has been rapidly elucidated. Its initial appearance in medical literature was in the 1970s, but it was not until the late 1990s that its paediatric-to-adult spectrum became more evident. Currently, it is a commonplace diagnosis in gastroenterology clinics, and the management of the disease commonly involves allergists. Coming from humble beginnings, the true reasons for its emergence on the worldwide allergic diseases stage is not understood. This review explores possible explanations of the origins of EoE. As food intolerance is an important component of EoE, the role of modern food production is discussed, as well as elements of EoE that have been possibly overlooked.
