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Eosinophilic Esophagitis Clinic

The CHOC Eosinophilic Esophagitis Clinic is one of only a handful of multidisciplinary clinics dedicated to treating all of the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (also known as EoE) in Southern California. Our team of allergists, gastroenterologists and dietitians work with patients and families to help diagnose and treat EoE.

When a child is first diagnosed with EoE, it is an overwhelming experience. We provide the expertise and support needed to manage the patient’s health and wellbeing. The clinic meets every first and third Wednesday of the month. During the initial stages of care, patients may need to attend clinic every one to three months depending on the severity of the child’s symptoms. The EoE team also provides support services outside of the clinic through e-mail and telephone calls. Once there is resolution of the EoE and the trigger is identified, we recommend yearly visits for follow-up. Learn more about Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Expert Diagnosis

Currently, the only way to make a diagnosis of EoE is by an endoscopy with biopsies of the esophageal lining. During an endoscopy, a gastroenterologist inserts a small tube with a camera located at the tip into the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach and first part of the small intestine. The doctor will look at the tissue lining of the gastrointestinal tract and take small pieces of tissue called biopsies. During the endoscopy, the gastroenterologist will also look for any changes in the appearance of the esophagus, including white blotches, long white lines (called linear furrows) or rings. After the biopsies have been taken, a pathologist will look at the small samples of tissue under the microscope and count the number of eosinophils (allergy cells) in a set area. Learn more about endoscopy at CHOC.

After a patient has been diagnosed with EoE, he or she will work with one of our allergists and undergo extensive allergy testing. The testing will assist the team in figuring out possible food and/or environmental causes of the child’s EoE symptoms. This testing includes a complete history and physical, skin prick testing (both completed on first visit to our clinic) and patch testing, which is completed on subsequent visits to CHOC. Learn more about patch testing.

The Latest, Individualized Treatments

Pinpointing what is causing a child’s EoE may be a challenging journey. It will take time to walk through each step of the work-up, treatment and trial periods. Every child is very important to us and we make every effort to always be available to help patients and their families through the process. Because each child is different, so are the treatment options. EoE may be treated through food avoidance of offending allergens, use of specialized formulas and/or through the use of medications.

First and foremost, our goals for every patient are:

  • Symptom resolution
  • Clear biopsy
  • Prevention of future complications
  • Maintaining quality of life

EOE Treatment

There is no exact “cure” for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Because every patient’s case is different, the CHOC Eosinophilic Esophagitis Clinic's team of allergists, gastroenterologists, and dietitians works together to develop the best course of treatment for each patient based upon his or her test results and medical history. Often, treatment plans will need to be altered as doctors and other specialists monitor the patient’s progress.

Treatment plans are made by combining the following according to the child's specific needs:

The practice of eliminating foods that may cause a child's EoE symptoms. Learn more about Food Elimination.
An elemental diet may be recommended if a child has severe symptoms, if all food allergy testing was negative or if previous treatment options have been unsuccessful. All regular foods and beverages are removed from the child's diet and special formulas are used to meet the child's nutritional needs. Learn more about an Elemental Diet.
Once a patient's eosinophils have cleared, foods are reintroduced to help further narrow down the exact allergens that cause EoE symptoms. Learn more about Food Reintroduction.
For some patients, dietary changes may not be enough or possible and medications may be needed to treat EoE symptoms. As new information becomes available, so do many new clinical trials and treatments. Learn more about Medical Treatment and Clinical Trials.

Patients who wish to make an appointment at the CHOC Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Clinic may contact the Patient Access Center at 888-770-2462, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Existing patients can contact their gastroenterology provider, by calling 714-509-4099. Upon reaching the recording, press “2” on the telephone keypad and then press “3” to reach a member of our phone nurse team, who will take down the patient’s clinical information and forward it to the child’s provider for follow-up.

Referring physicians may get in touch with one of our specialists about patient referrals by calling 714-509-4099 and asking to speak with Michelle Beck.

Batavia Woods – EoE Clinic
(1st, 2nd & 3rd Wednesday of the month 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
725 West La Veta Ave – Suite 100
Orange, CA 92868

Batavia Woods

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