EoE Relationship to Chronic Allergic Rhinitis, Eczema, and GERD
I'll be as brief as possible, I'm trying to piece together what I've been experiencing.
Chronic Allergic Rhinitis since mid-1980s which resulted in chronic recurrent rhinosinusitis. Over the years have been using various antihistamines, rinses, sprays, aleve (for headaches), etc but the cycle of headaches, congestion, enlarged turbinates, sinus infection persists. Have flareups of eczema on hand and scalp. PCP casually mentions AR, eczema, EoE are all related as part of the "Atopic March" but avoids detailed discussion.
~2012 severe dysphagia/choked on almost everything I ate for a few months before I gave in and went for a GI office visit. Endoscopy exam/biopsies diagnosed barrett's, GERD. Per Dr orders, started OTC PPI 20 mg and have been on them since
12/2025 dysphagia again, constant irritation in throat. PCP increased PPI to 40 mg/day prescription, referred for GI endoscopy exam/biopsies diagnosed (possible) EoE 27/hpf mid esophagus, barretts, various stomach polyps, GERD
4/2026 follow up endoscopy after 6 food elimination diet and higher dose PPI 40 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. Confirmed still >15 eosinophils/hpf. GI reduced PPI back to 40 mg once daily and prescribed Alvesco (off label use for EoE?)
I have a GI followup consult tomorrow and have a few questions in mind already. I've been reading EoE is usually related to food allergies but the diet change didn't seem to help mine.
I've read EoE is or may be part of the atopic march and shares triggers with airborne allergies. My RAST panel shows high levels of sensitivity to quite a few plant pollens. I don't know what to believe at this point and I'm considering going to an allergist.
What questions should I be asking during the GI consult to followup my recent endoscopy exam and apparent EoE diagnosis?