Med School Café to address Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Ananthasekar Ponnambalam, M.D., professor of pediatrics at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and a pediatric gastroenterologist with USA Health, will present “Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children” on Monday, June 21, at 11 a.m. The event will be held virtually via Zoom.  

Ponnambalam will discuss the causes of eosinophilic esophagitis in children, as well as the diagnostic steps and current treatment options available.  

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell (eosinophil) builds up in the lining of the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach (esophagus). This buildup, which is typically a reaction to foods, allergens or acid reflux, can inflame or injure the esophageal tissue. Damaged esophageal tissue can lead to difficulty swallowing or can cause food to get stuck when you swallow. 

Identified in the 1990s, eosinophilic esophagitis now is considered a major cause of gastrointestinal illness. 

To register for the lecture, visit Zoom.

Med School Café is a free community lecture series sponsored by USA Health. Each month, faculty and physicians share their expertise on a specific medical condition, providing insight on the latest treatment available.

For more information, contact Kim Partridge at kepartridge@health.southalabama.edu.