Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is an inflammatory condition with pronounced eosinophilic infiltration. It is commonly associated with atopic disease and may be mediated through an allergic mechanism. There is a clear association between food allergies and EE. However, the role of aeroallergens in EE is unclear. In hopes of enhancing the current understanding of aeroallergens in EE the literature was reviewed for relevant articles. A number of animal and human studies support the likely role of aeroallergens in EE. The animal studies convincingly show provocation of EE with aeroallergens through a T-helper lymphocyte type 2 (Th2) mechanism. These studies are complemented by human data that show a correlation with aeroallergens and eosinophilic infiltration. Taken together, the literature suggests aeroallergens may contribute to the development of EE.
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