The present disclosure provides methods of treating inflammation of the upper gastrointestinal tract, especially the esophagus, by administering an oral corticosteroid. In some cases, the methods include treating eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) by administering an oral corticosteroid in an induction phase and a maintenance phase to improve peak eosinophilic counts and symptoms. In embodiments, the methods include treating EoE by administering the oral corticosteroid at nighttime and/or while the patient is lying down.本發明提供藉由投與經口皮質類固醇來治療上胃腸道、尤其食道之炎症的方法。在一些情況下，該等方法包括藉由在誘導階段及維持階段投與經口皮質類固醇來改良峰值嗜伊紅血球計數及症狀而治療嗜伊紅性食道炎(EoE)。在諸多實施例中，該等方法包括藉由在夜間及/或在該患者躺下時投與該經口皮質類固醇來治療EoE。
