Food elimination diets in eosinophilic esophagitis: Practical tips in current management and future directions.

Pierfrancesco Visaggi, Federica Baiano Svizzero, Edoardo Savarino

Journal: Best practice & research. Clinical gastroenterology 2023;62-63():101825

PMID: 37094908

Free Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, antigen-mediated disease of the esophagus characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and an eosinophil-predominant inflammation. Seminal reports identified the role of food allergens in the pathogenesis of the disease by demonstrating that food avoidance could lead to the resolution of esophageal eosinophilia in EoE patients. Although pharmacological treatments for EoE are increasingly being investigated, the exclusion of trigger foods from the diet still represents a valuable option for patients to achieve and maintain disease remission without drugs. Food elimination diets are variegated, and one size does not fit all. Accordingly, before starting any elimination diet, patients' characteristics should be thoroughly evaluated, and a rigorous management plan should be defined. This review provides practical tips and considerations to succeed in the management of EoE patients undergoing food elimination diets, as well as recent advances and future perspectives on food avoidance strategies.

Address: Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56125, Pisa, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56125, Pisa, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2023.101825