Shining a Light on EoE: Stories, Support, and Hope

In honor of the first World Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Day on May 22, 2025, Gastro Girl is helping to shine a spotlight on this chronic and progressive disease all month long—with stories, support, and resources that remind us why awareness matters.

Because sometimes, awareness doesn’t roar. It whispers in quiet, life-changing realizations—those moments of clarity that come from simply hearing, “You’re not alone.”

Over the past few years, we’ve seen firsthand how awareness can truly change lives. One of the most common questions we receive—whether through the Ask Gastro Girl app, our YouTube channel, or podcast—is:

“Is it normal that food gets stuck when I swallow?”

It’s such a simple question. But for many, it’s the first sign of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)—a chronic, immune-mediated disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the esophagus. Left untreated, it can lead to swallowing difficulties, food impaction, and long-term damage.

A man in his 70s told us he learned about EoE through one of our videos. For years, he believed food getting stuck was just part of aging. He quietly adapted his eating habits and lived with the discomfort. After watching a podcast clip, something clicked—he finally talked to his doctor and was diagnosed with EoE.

A woman shared how she had struggled with swallowing issues for years, assuming they were caused by anxiety or stress. After hearing a guest on our show describe those exact symptoms, she had a “lightbulb moment,” got tested—and got answers.

One mother recognized signs of EoE in her young son after watching one of our pediatric videos. She brought him to a specialist—one of the very doctors we featured—and today, he’s receiving the care he needs to thrive.

And perhaps most surprising: a primary care doctor at a medical conference paused when he saw our EoE materials. He mentioned he’d been diagnosed years ago. When asked how he was managing it, he admitted, “Honestly, I feel okay most of the time… so I haven’t really been treating it.”

We showed him clinical images of what untreated EoE can do to the esophagus. His expression changed instantly.

“I had no idea it could get that bad,” he said. “I’m definitely going to call my doctor.”

These stories remind us: awareness isn’t optional—it’s essential.

For patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, it marks an important milestone—a chance to elevate understanding, break down stigma, and promote access to earlier diagnosis and effective care.

We’ve curated some of our most popular evidence-based resources to help raise awareness and support the EoE community.

EoE Playlist on YouTube

Our Gastro Girl YouTube channel is full of EoE-focused content—conversations with GI experts, real patient stories, and compassionate explanations of what EoE is and how it’s managed.
Check out the EoE Playlist

EoE Health Hub

From symptom checklists to podcasts and articles, our EoE Health Hub is your one-stop destination for credible, easy-to-understand information.

Just Diagnosed with EoE?

Start here: Gastro Girl’s EoE Toolkit is a step-by-step guide for navigating your diagnosis and what to do next.

Is Your EoE Under Control?

Use our EoE Patient Guide to reflect on your symptoms and prepare for more productive conversations with your doctor.

A Safe Space to Ask Questions

The Gastro Girl YouTube channel has become a space for patients, parents, and caregivers to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. Whether you’re a parent unsure of what’s “normal,” or an adult silently struggling to swallow—you’re not alone here.

• It takes an average of 4+ years and multiple doctors for many patients to get a proper diagnosis.
• EoE is often misdiagnosed as GERD, allergies, or behavioral issues—especially in children.
• Without treatment, EoE can lead to esophageal narrowing and permanent damage.
• Early diagnosis and ongoing care are critical.

Could It Be EoE? Know the Signs

If you or someone you love is experiencing unexplained digestive symptoms, difficulty swallowing, or food getting stuck, this visual guide from APFED breaks down the most common signs of EoE in both adults and children.

Specialist Directories

• APFED Specialist Finder (including dietitians)
• Gastro Girl’s Zocdoc-Powered Provider Finder

Education & Support

• Gastro Girl Just Diagnosed with EoE Toolkit
• EoE Health Hub
• APFED.org – patient education, research, and advocacy

We’re deeply grateful to organizations like APFED, GAAPP, CURED, and so many others working tirelessly to improve care and awareness for eosinophil-associated diseases.

A heartfelt thank-you to Sanofi Regeneron for supporting our mission this month—helping us reach more people with the education, resources, and hope they need.

With gratitude and purpose,
Jacqueline Gaulin
Founder, Gastro Girl