Definition of Candida esophagitis:

Candida esophagitis is a fungal or yeast infection of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

See also:

• Candida-associated diaper dermatitis
• Candidiasis - oral
• Vaginal candidiasis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Candida esophagitis is caused by the yeast Candida. It occurs when the yeast spreads from the mouth down the esophagus.

The condition is often a sign of a weakened immune system. The following raise your risk for Candida infections:

• AIDS
• Chemotherapy
• Diabetes
• Leukemia or lymphoma
• Organ transplants
• Other conditions that suppress or weaken the immune system

Oral thrush or a yeast infection makes an immunocompromised person more likely to get esophagitis.

Symptoms:

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever if the fungus spreads further
• Painful swallowing
• Possible Candida in the mouth (oral thrush, with white mouth sores)

Signs and tests:

Tests that show Candida include:

• EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) with or without biopsy, staining, and culture
• Throat swab culture
• Upper GI and small bowel series

Treatment:

Antifungal medicines, taken by mouth or injection, are prescribed.

Expectations (prognosis):

Esophagitis can usually be treated effectively. The outcome depends upon the underlying immune system problem that makes the person susceptible to the infection.

Complications:

• Holes in the esophagus
• Recurrent infection
• Spread of Candida to other sites

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of esophagitis, especially if you know that you are immunosuppressed.

Prevention:

Preventing AIDS lowers your risk for opportunistic infections, such as Candida. Opportunistic infections are infections by organisms that are not normally disease producing, but take advantage of a situation, such as a damaged immune system.

Good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of infection.