Does Aeroallergen Sensitization Cause or Contribute to Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

Abstract

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an atopic disease defined clinically by esophageal symptoms in combination with a dense esophageal eosinophilia. EoE is triggered and maintained by exposure to certain foods and it is known that dietary modification controls symptoms and achieves disease remission. Recently, aeroallergens have been implicated in the pathogenesis of EoE. To examine the role of aeroallergens in EoE, we reviewed the published literature. Sensitization and production of IgE antibodies to foods and aeroallergens in subjects with EoE has been demonstrated. However, the evidence suggests only a minor role for IgE-mediated immune reactions in EoE. There is some evidence to support an association of EoE diagnosis and flares with environmental allergen exposure, and animal studies support the notion that EoE may be induced by exposure to inhalant allergens. Some studies show that newly diagnosed cases of EoE follow a seasonal pollen distribution (summer and spring), but the weight of evidence does not support the seasonal occurrence of diagnosis or worsening of symptoms. Overall, we conclude that the current evidence does not support causality in inhalant allergen exposure and the genesis nor exacerbations of EoE in humans, although there is a possibility that inhalant allergen sensitization could play a modifying role in EoE in the context of cross-reacting food allergens.

Keywords: Aeroallergen; Cross-reactivity; Eosinophilic esophagitis; Pollen.