The allergy, asthma, and immunology specialists at UPMC in central Pa. diagnose and treat conditions that affect the esophagus and vocal cords.
At UPMC in central Pa., we provide expert treatment for conditions of the esophagus and vocal cords, including eosinophilic esophagitis (EE or EoE) and vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). Our specialists offer a full range of tests and treatments, including:
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE or EoE) is a chronic immune system disease that causes inflammation in your esophagus, which is the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. People who have EoE have high levels of blood cells called eosinophils that build up in their esophagus as a reaction to allergens or acid reflux. This buildup causes inflammation that can damage your esophagus.
Damage to the esophagus as a result of eosinophilic esophagitis may cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and food getting stuck in the esophagus (impaction). Other symptoms may include:
Infants and children may experience these symptoms in addition to difficulty eating, vomiting, or poor growth/malnutrition.
VCD occurs when your vocal cords tighten and close instead of opening normally when you breathe in and out. VCD can make it difficult to breathe. The main treatments for VCD are speech therapy, controlling triggers, and managing other health conditions such as asthma, post-nasal drip, and GERD.
VCD is often mistaken for asthma because the symptoms are very similar. But unlike asthma, VCD is not related to an allergic response. Symptoms of VCD may include:
Specialty Care ENT – UPMC
508 S. Washington Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717-334-8171
Fax: 717-334-8172
Specialty Care ENT – UPMC
250 Fame Avenue
Suite 201, (Entrance A)
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-633-9229
Fax: 717-633-5552
UPMC Allergy and Immunology
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
21 Waterford Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: 717-988-9180
Fax: 717-775-5723
Need more information?
Many of our providers offer video visits. Call the office or schedule via your patient portal.
Phone: 717-988-9180
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