Topical corticosteroids for the treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis

How promising are topical corticosteroids?

Topical corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory and, when released directly into the oesophagus, block several inflammatory steps that lead to the symptoms of EoE. As they are “inactivated” very quickly in the body (in the mucous membrane and in the liver), only very small quantities of topical corticosteroids enter the bloodstream. This means that these products are significantly better tolerated than conventional corticosteroids, which have a (systemic) effect on the whole body.

Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of topical corticosteroids in active inflammatory EoE: both symptoms and inflammation in the oesophagus decreased in the majority of patients.

Please talk to your doctor for further information.

Which side effects can occur with topical corticosteroids?

Treatment with topical corticosteroids is generally low in side effects. The most common side effect (>10 %) is mild fungal infection (candidiasis) of the oral cavity or oesophagus. However, a fungal infestation of this kind can usually be easily treated with anti-fungal medication.