Cause 10: Environmental Exposures
The world around us is continually evolving, and not always for the better. Environmental factors, including pollutants, toxins, and even certain weather conditions, have been linked to a myriad of health conditions, including eosinophilic esophagitis.
Several environmental factors can trigger EoE. Pollutants and toxins can cause inflammation when ingested or inhaled. This inflammation isn’t localized; it affects various body parts, including the esophagus. Over time, consistent exposure can make the esophagus more susceptible to eosinophilic infiltration, leading to EoE.
Changes in weather, particularly extreme conditions like very dry or cold weather, can directly impact the esophagus. Such conditions can make the esophagus more vulnerable, drying it out and making it more susceptible to inflammation and, subsequently, EoE.
While we can’t entirely escape our environment, we can certainly adopt measures to reduce our exposure. Using air purifiers, avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution times, and ensuring we consume filtered water can reduce the ingestion of potential triggers. Moreover, during extreme weather conditions, taking measures to keep the throat and esophagus moist, like staying hydrated, can be beneficial. (10)
