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Glossary

MEDICAL TERMS AND KEYWORDS

Take a minute to learn about terms associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and DUPIXENT.

  1. B

    • Biologic

      Biologics are a class of medication. Biologics are processed in the body differently than oral or topical medications. Most biologic medications come as liquids and should be administered by injection. Today, different biologics are used to treat many conditions you may be familiar with.

  2. D

    • DUPIXENT MyWay®

      A program to provide support to patients starting DUPIXENT. Get ongoing, personalized nursing support; help scheduling monthly prescription refills and deliveries; and in-home, in-office, or online supplemental injection training.

    • Dysphagia

      Difficulty swallowing foods or liquids, arising from throat or esophagus. One of the most common EoE symptoms.

  3. E

    • Endoscopic Biopsy

      Endoscopic biopsy is a procedure in which abnormal tissue in the esophagus is sampled so it can be checked under a microscope for signs of a disease.

    • Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

      A chronic immune disease where eosinophils build up in the lining of the esophagus, which connects your mouth to your stomach.

    • Eosinophils

      Normal type of white blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow and migrate to tissues throughout the body. When a foreign substance invades the body, eosinophils work with other white blood cells to release substances that neutralize the invader. 

    • Esophageal Dilation

      A procedure that allows your doctor to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of your esophagus.

  4. F

    • Food Elimination Diet

      A therapy frequently used for patients with EoE that excludes common “trigger” foods from a patient’s diet. These foods often include wheat, milk, egg, nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish.

    • Food Impaction

      When food becomes stuck inside the esophagus.

  5. I

    • Immune system

      The defense system that protects your body against harmful substances and invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. The immune system is made up of many different cell types and organs.

    • Inflammation

      Your body’s response to damage caused by bacteria, harmful substances, high temperature, or other factors.

  6. P

    • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

      Proton pump inhibitors are a class of medications that cause a reduction of stomach acid production. While commonly used for EoE symptoms, PPIs are not an FDA-approved treatment for EoE.

  7. S

    • Slurry

      A suspension of solid particles in a liquid. EoE patients often take oral steroids this way.

    • Specialty Pharmacy

      A specialty pharmacy is a state-licensed pharmacy that solely or largely provides only medications for people with serious health conditions requiring complex therapies.

    • Subcutaneous Injection

      An injection given underneath the skin.

    • Swallowed Topical Corticosteroids

      Swallowed topical corticosteroid therapy is a common treatment method for patients with EoE, where a patient swallows a topical corticosteroid slurry to treat inflammation in the esophagus.

  8. T

    • Type 2 inflammation

      A type of systemic allergic response that can result in swelling in the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow.