Study Finds Disparities in Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Food Allergies

White male teens and wealthier patients with private insurance most likely to have comorbid food allergies.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:55am

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A novel study of over 46,000 patients admitted with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) found notable disparities in who was most likely to also have a comorbid food allergy. White male teens and wealthier patients with private insurance were found to be the demographics most affected by the dual diagnosis of EoE and food allergies.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the need for earlier screening and diagnosis of EoE, especially in high-risk groups like pediatric males with food allergies. The study also suggests that socioeconomic and racial factors may play a role in who gets diagnosed with EoE, pointing to potential disparities in access to care.

The details

The study, published in PLOS One, examined data on 46,575 patients admitted with EoE from 2016 to 2022. It found that milk allergy was the most common comorbid food allergy, affecting 3.79% of EoE patients. Other common food allergies included egg (3.30%), peanut (3.13%), and seafood (2.54%). The researchers also discovered that White male teens were the most likely to have a comorbid food allergy, with mean ages of 13.71 years for milk allergy, 13.16 years for egg allergy, 15.02 years for peanut allergy, and 22.06 years for seafood allergy. Patients from higher income brackets ($86,000+) and those with private insurance or Medicaid were also more likely to have EoE with a food allergy compared to lower income patients and those on Medicare.

  • The study examined data on patients admitted with EoE from 2016 through 2022.

The players

Misha Shah, DO

An internist at the John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County in Chicago and the lead author of the study.

Joshua Wechsler, MD, MSci

The director of the Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases Program at the Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“These findings underscore the need for earlier screening in high-risk groups, particularly pediatric males with food allergy.”

— Misha Shah, DO, Lead Author (PLOS One)

“That it is shedding light on the disparities in diagnosis of EoE is very good. This is something that needs to change.”

— Joshua Wechsler, MD, MSci, Director, Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases Program (Medscape Medical News)

What’s next

The study's authors recommend further investigation into sex- and age-related differences in EoE progression to help guide management and prevention approaches. They also suggest the development of early screening tools to aid in timely diagnosis and treatment of patients with EoE and comorbid food allergies.

The takeaway

This study highlights significant disparities in who is diagnosed with the dual condition of eosinophilic esophagitis and food allergies, with White male teens and wealthier patients with private insurance being the most affected. These findings underscore the need for more equitable screening and access to care to ensure all high-risk groups are properly diagnosed and treated.