Candida Health Channel

Definition

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

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:

• 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.