Budesonide is a steroid medication commonly used as a first-line treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) to help reduce inflammation in the esophagus. It is often swallowed as a liquid, slurry, or dissolvable tablet so the medication coats the esophagus rather than being inhaled into the lungs. Many people report improvement in swallowing, food getting stuck, and irritation after treatment, although results can vary and symptoms may return after stopping therapy. Budesonide has become one of the most commonly used treatments for EoE because it can improve both symptoms and inflammation seen on biopsy.