Reflux Due to Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Natural Remedies


The esophagus becomes inflamed and damaged due to the immunological illness known as eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The esophagus lining develops an abnormal accumulation of white blood cells called eosinophils, indicative of the illness. It can cause various symptoms, such as trouble swallowing, chest pain, heartburn, and reflux.

The condition of reflux, commonly referred to as acid reflux, occurs when our stomach acid rises into the esophagus. The other bothersome symptoms, in this case, maybe coughing, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing, which might result in a burning feeling in the mouth, throat, or chest. In simple words, reflux is a typical EoE symptom that can be very unpleasant. In this regard, we are about to recommend you natural remedies that can offer you relief from the symptoms with ease. Let's get started.

Natural Remedies for Reflux Due to EoE

While there is no cure for EoE, a variety of natural remedies exist that can help alleviate symptoms of reflux. Mentioned below are some of the most effective natural remedies for reflux due to EoE −

  • Nutritional Changes − Altering one's diet is one of the best strategies to lessen reflux. This entails staying away from foods like dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, nuts, and shellfish, as well as other reflux-causing substances. It is advised to consult with a licensed dietitian or nutritionist to create a custom diet plan that suits your particular requirements.

  • Herbal Remedies − Some herbs have been known to help with reflux. For instance, chamomile tea can help soothe our stomach and reduce inflammation. It contains anti-inflammatory agents to help you reduce the severity of symptoms. You can also take ginger tea which helps with nausea and vomiting, common symptoms of reflux.

  • Probiotics − Probiotics can help improve gut health and reduce inflammation in the body. EoE is believed to be caused, in part, by an imbalance of gut bacteria. Consuming probiotic-rich foods such as kefir, yogurt, and fermented vegetables or taking a probiotic supplement can be beneficial.

  • Aloe vera − Aloe vera helps ease esophageal discomfort and reduce inflammation. Before meals, drinking aloe vera juice may reduce the symptoms' severity. Since its anti-inflammatory properties have been proven, aloe vera may help reduce the severity of reflux symptoms.

  • Mindful Eating − Chewing food properly and slowly when eating can help reduce reflux. Overeating can result in reflux by causing food to be lodged in the esophagus. Also, limiting late-night snacking can aid in reducing the severity of symptoms.

  • Acupuncture − Acupuncture is a well-known practice in traditional Chinese medicine that has become increasingly popular as a complementary treatment in Western medicine. It entails inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to restore the balance of energy, known as "qi.” The limited research available on the use of acupuncture for reflux has shown promising results. In various studies, acupuncture alone or in combination with specific herbal remedies was found to be as effective as certain heartburn medications that can be purchased without a prescription. This suggests that acupuncture could be a natural alternative or complementary treatment for reflux that is just as effective as conventional medication. However, more research must be conducted to ascertain its exact effectiveness for treating reflux and other benefits it may offer.

  • Laying your head high on the Bed − Proper positioning of the head on the bed can help prevent acid reflux during the night. This can be achieved by placing blocks or risers under the head of the bed. Thus, to reduce the risk of acid reflux into the esophagus while you sleep, it is best to raise the head of the bed.

In order to create a treatment plan that is appropriate for you, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. However, you must understand that natural remedies may not be effective for everyone. Immediately seek medical help if symptoms continue or get worse.

In addition to natural remedies, there are a variety of medical treatments that can be used to manage EoE and its symptoms. These treatments may include medications such as proton pump inhibitors, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, dietary therapy, and endoscopic procedures.

Medical Treatments for Reflux Due to Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Treatment for Reflux Due to Eosinophilic Esophagitis typically requires a multi-pronged approach. Generally, medications such as proton pump inhibitors are prescribed first to reduce acid production and relieve symptoms. Additionally, dietary changes may be recommended to reduce the aggravation of existing symptoms and prevent exacerbations. Furthermore, doctors may order an endoscopy and biopsy of the esophagus to better understand the condition and devise an appropriate treatment plan. Procedural interventions like dilation or balloon entropion might be suggested in rare cases or if other treatments fail. Whatever the course of treatment chosen, patients must monitor their progress closely while receiving medical attention in order to ensure effectiveness.

Bottomline

In conclusion, reflux is one of the many other discomforting and painful symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic immunological illness. While there is no known treatment for EoE to date, a number of herbal treatments can effectively lessen reflux symptoms. Dietary alterations, herbal medicines, probiotics, aloe vera, mindful eating, and elevating the head of the bed are some of the all-natural treatments available.

Natural therapies might not be helpful or effective for everyone, so it's vital to consult with a healthcare professional to design a treatment plan that's ideal for you. And also, a number of medical procedures can be utilized to control EoE and associated symptoms.

It's crucial to get medical help right away if you're showing signs of EoE. Remember, it is very much possible to manage your reflux symptoms and enhance your quality of life with the proper treatment strategy.

Updated on: 03-Mar-2023

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