Eosinophilic Esophagitis in India: A Rare or Underdiagnosed Entity?

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has been well established as a distinct clinicopathological entity in North America and Europe, with prevalence estimates ranging from 0.1 to 6% based on endoscopic and histopathological studies. However, data from India remain limited. A study from North India by Baruah et al identified only 6 cases among 190 patients with esophageal symptoms highlighting a possible diagnostic gap.[1] Nagarajan et al reported a much higher prevalence (23%) among 73 patients in Tamil Nadu, indicating possible regional variability. Another study by Prasad et al noted a 3.9% prevalence in a pediatric cohort, with many diagnoses made retrospectively after being initially labeled as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).[2] [3]