Eosinophilic esophagitis in children and adults.

Children with eosinophilic esophagitis, an isolated, severe esophageal eosinophilia, present with symptoms similar to gastroesophageal reflux but do not experience response to aggressive antireflux therapy. Increasingly, eosinophilic esophagitis is considered to be a separate entity from reflux disease. Current theory suggests that the former may be caused by cell-mediated food hypersensitivity or may be a subset of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Reports support the efficacy of dietary restriction or corticosteroid therapy. Additional research is needed to determine etiology, allow earlier clinical recognition, and improve treatment.