Candida Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Candida, flourescent stain Upper gastrointestinal system Show all 3 photos Candida esophagitis 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. Continue reading this article

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Diaper dermatitis - Candida-associated (2 images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Candida-associated diaper dermatitis is an infection of the skin beneath an infant's diaper. It is caused by yeasts (Candida organisms. Reviewer: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 08/15/2007

Dental care - adult (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Tooth decay and gum disease are largely caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes after eating. If this plaque is not removed thoroughly each day, tooth decay will flourish. Over time, plaque will harden into tartar. Plaque and tartar lead to a number of problems: Cavities - holes that damage the structure of teeth; Gingivitis - swollen, inflamed, bleeding gums; Periodontitis - destruction of the ligaments and bone that support the teeth, often leading to tooth loss; Bad breath (halitosis; Abscesses, pain, inability to use teeth; A variety of health problems outside the mouth, from preterm labor to heart disease. Healthy teeth are clean and have few cavities. Healthy gums are pink and firm. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, follow these steps: Brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably after every meal and at bedtime; Floss at least once per day; Schedule an appointment with a dentist for a routine cleaning and examination. Many dentists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months; Keep dentures, retainers, and other appliances clean. This includes regular brushing and may include soaking them in a cleansing solution. Ask your dentist: What toothbrush you should use, and where your problem areas are located; How to properly floss your teeth. Overly vigorous or improper flossing may injure the gums; Whether you should use any special appliances or tools, such as water irrigation or electric toothbrushes. These may sometimes help supplement (but not replace) brushing and flossing; Whether you could benefit from particular toothpastes or mouth rinses. In some cases, over-the-counter pastes and rinses may be doing you more harm than good, depending on your condition. Regular teeth cleaning by a dentist removes plaque that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult for you to reach on your own. Professional cleaning includes scaling and polishing. This uses various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth. Routine examination may include dental x-rays. See also plaque identification at home. Reviewer: Michael Kapner, D.D.S., General and Cosmetic Dentistry, New Rochelle, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, M.D., MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 04/24/2008

Immunodeficiency disorders (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Immunodeficiency disorders occur when the body's immune response is reduced or absent. See also: Autoimmune disorders Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 05/02/2008

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