By the time I went in for a diagnosis we already strongly suspected that I had EE. Reading up about the condition after Liam was diagnosed brought up several things that seemed to point that direction for me: dysphagia, genetics, and probably some allergies.
I looked for as many scientific-like articles I could find that specifically mentioned the symptoms I had - didn't want to look like a hypochondriac. At the first appointment, with printed pages in hand, I brought up the dysphagia and suspicion of eosinophilic esophagitis. Being in the military, I expected a technicolor response from the PA peering over the top of his glasses. He didn't disappoint. So much for trying not to look like the hypochondriac. At least I didn't walk in and ask for drugs...
I was able to prove my case and made the cut to be scheduled for an upper GI (barium swallow) to look for structural problems and also get some blood work done to look for other stomach/intestinal problems...."It could be feline diabetes...." (another story)
40+ ounces of chalky "vanilla" fun later and a few pricks (both with normal results) I got to meet with an ENT. He was ready to prescribe flonase without further tests. Since we had already been through everything with Liam and been told that the only way to really diagnose was with an endoscopy, I opted for it. I was also still hoping like a lottery addict that I would win with the slim odds and not have it.
After the endoscopy and a confirmed diagnosis of EE, I was prescribed Flonase (fluticasone propionate - 50mcg) to be taken orally twice a day; two sprays each time. I've also found out that I'm allergic to milk, peanuts, and "clams" as well as every possible grass and tree. Since the chart didn't say "mussels" I'm still having ale and mussels mostly guilt free.... Since I had the EE diagnosis, food elimination with fluticasone *should* effectively treat it. We'll see at the next endoscopy.
So...what's the difference between flonase and flovent? Why prescribe one over the other? Should I be concerned about swallowing the "for intranasal use only" medicine? What about combining cromolyn with the anti-inflammatory?
What medications has everyone else been prescribed?
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Hi, eg - Your post makes me wonder... how often do the "adult" GI docs do scopes in EoE?
I'm always interested to hear how other groups manage EoE since there are many ways to handle EoE. Though you guys may be reassured to know that the recent Pediatric GI conference's recommendation for management of EoE matches closely with "our way" (for lack of a better term). :o)
I went to an adult GI last Wednesday and am scheduled for a new baseline scope next week. From there I think the game plan I talked about with my allergy doctor (the one managing everything) is to redo the scope in 6 months.
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