- I have Eosinophilic Esophagitis (say that three times fast)
- I have a very thin esophagus
- As a result if I ever need to be tubed they should never "expand" my throat more than 15 mm. (or it will tear)
- I will be on Fluticasone FOREVER
So here's a medical lesson. Eosinophils are white blood cells that help promote inflammation, mainly in allergic reactions. They like to hang out in my throat. That is why they are called Eosinophilic Esophagitis. They decrease the ability of my esophagus to stretch so my food would get stuck. If I remember right the doctor said the normal cell count that should be there is about 15-20. I have 50. So my throat is trashed. It swells up pretty regularly.
As for treatment, some people get this balloon thing stuffed down their throat to try and stretch it. As for me, I can't do this because 1) it won't do much good and 2) my throat is very thin and more prone to tear. I have to take 4 drops of Fluticasone every day for the rest of my life. This is normally a nasal spray but I drink it! It tastes like a regular asthma inhaler. Sometimes I gag. The only real side effect is thrush.
I guess it could be worse.
