Health Encyclopedia

Candida esophagitis

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Candida infection - esophagus; Yeast infection - esophagus

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:

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

If you have a weakened immune system, thrush in the mouth (oral thrush) makes you more likely to get Candida esophagitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Difficulty swallowing
Fever (only if the fungus spreads further)
Oral thrush (Candida in the mouth)
Painful swallowing

Signs and tests

Tests that show Candida include:

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

Treatment

In most people, antifungal medicines such as fluconazole (taken by mouth) or amphotericin (given by injection) can control the infection. Some people also need pain medicine. Many patients need other, long-term medicines to suppress the fungus and prevent another episode.

Expectations (prognosis)

Esophagitis can usually be treated effectively. The outcome depends on the immune system problem that makes the person develop the infection.

Complications

Holes in your esophagus (perforation)
Recurrent infection
Spread of Candida to other sites in your body

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 HIV/AIDS lowers your risk for infections such as Candida. Good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of infection.

References

Kauffman CA. Candidiasis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 359.

Review Date:8/28/2009
Reviewed By:David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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