24/12/2025
Karen's journey with eosinophilic esophagitis began in her early 20s with choking episodes that became increasingly frequent throughout her 30s. When her primary care doctor finally suggested a scope, the GI specialist couldn't even get it in—her esophagus had narrowed to pencil-thin.
In the early 2000s, after multiple failed endoscopy attempts at her local hospital, Karen was referred to a specialist at Mass General in Boston who finally provided the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
Karen received several dilations to relieve choking episodes. For years, she managed her EoE with dietary restrictions and PPI medication. In her 40s, when she developed severe asthma, her allergist prescribed an inhaled steroid—which unexpectedly provided some relief for her EoE symptoms as well.
But long-term management comes with consequences. After decades on PPIs to control her EoE, Karen now has severe osteoporosis and requires daily injections to treat it. When she recently tried to reduce her PPI dose, her EoE symptoms returned—leaving her caught between managing one condition and the side effects of its treatment.
Karen's story highlights the complex, long-term challenges of living with eosinophilic diseases—and the critical need for safer, more effective treatment options.
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