World Eosinophilic Esophagitis Day Date in the current year: May 22, 2026

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is named so because it involves the esophagus, the organ through which food passes, and eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that helps the immune system combat certain parasites and infections. Typically, eosinophils are present in the lower gastrointestinal tract but not the esophagus. In patients with EoE, however, eosinophils migrate to the esophagus in large numbers, causing inflammation and tissue damage when certain trigger foods are consumed.

The exact cause of EoE is unknown. While it is known that EoE is an allergic reaction, the reason why some people develop this specific response to allergens is unclear. Many patients with EoE have other allergic and autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease and asthma. EoE affects males more often than females and can manifest at any age, though it typically begins in childhood.

EoE symptoms depend on the patient’s age. In infants, symptoms include feeding problems, reflux, vomiting, and failure to gain weight. In children, symptoms include difficulty swallowing, poor appetite, abdominal or chest pain, vomiting, and reflux. In adults, symptoms include slow eating, difficulty swallowing, the feeling of food being stuck in the throat, and reflux. Many EoE symptoms overlap with GERD symptoms, but most EoE patients do not respond to acid-suppression therapy.

Treatment focuses on preventing symptoms and treating inflammation. The first step is identifying trigger foods through an elimination diet. The most common allergenic food groups (milk, wheat, soy, eggs, and nuts) are excluded from the diet for several weeks. Once symptoms improve, the food groups are reintroduced one at a time. If symptoms return after reintroducing a specific food group, those foods should be avoided.

Medical therapy for EoE focuses on reducing inflammation in the esophagus. Patients may be prescribed corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or monoclonal antibodies. In some patients, long-lasting inflammation can cause the esophagus to narrow. These patients may require endoscopic dilation, a procedure that enlarges the esophagus.

In 2025, EoE patient organizations from different countries formed the EoE Day Alliance to raise global awareness of eosinophilic esophagitis. A few months later, the newly formed alliance designated May 22 as World Eosinophilic Esophagitis Day, replacing the former European EoE Day.

The main goal of World EoE Day is to educate healthcare professionals and the general public about this underdiagnosed and undertreated disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The campaign aims to raise awareness of EoE symptoms and encourage people to see a doctor if they experience persistent acid reflux or difficulty swallowing, as well as advocates for better care, access to treatment, and further EoE research.