VitalStim Therapy, a specialized type of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), is a therapeutic intervention used to treat dysphagia.
What Is EoE?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic condition triggered by foods that causes inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus. This condition affects 1 in 1,500 children.
Symptoms of EoE
The most common symptom in younger children is food refusal. This will often result in poor growth, malnutrition or weight loss.
School-aged children may complain of decreased appetite, stomach pain, trouble swallowing (feeling like food is getting stuck), or vomiting.
What to Watch for at Mealtimes
- Slow eating/long mealtimes (over 20 minutes)
- Excessive chewing
- Taking small bites
- Drinking a lot of fluid during meals or always taking a drink after each bite
- Avoiding hard textured foods
- Total food refusal
- Vomiting
- Limited food variety
"Research has shown a higher prevalence of EoE in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder than in the general population."
Diagnosing EoE
A gastroenterologist (GI) doctor can diagnose EoE by completing an endoscopy. EoE symptoms are similar to other gastrointestinal conditions (such as reflux) which can result in a misdiagnosis.
EoE is more common in children with allergic diseases such as hay fever, atopic dermatitis/eczema, asthma, and food allergies. Research has also shown a higher prevalence of EoE in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder than in the general population.
Treating EoE
EoE can be treated with medication and/or an elimination diet. Our feeding specialists (SLPs/OTs specializing in feeding therapy) can help identify symptoms of EoE and make recommendations to appropriate providers for diagnosis. Our feeding therapists can also help to re-establish a positive experience with eating after your child has been diagnosed with EoE.
Resources
- (Eosinophilic Esophagitis Disease Info. for Patients (eoecare.com)
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America)
- Comorbid Conditions of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- What is EoE for children and their caregivers? (American Gastroenterological Association)