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.