DIAGNOSIS
If your physician suspects you have esophageal candidiasis, an endoscopic exam will be performed.
During this exam, your doctor will use an endoscope to look through your throat. This is a flexible, small tube with a small camera and a light attached to the end. This tube can also be inserted into your intestines or stomach to determine the severity of the infection.
TREATMENT
The goals of esophageal candidiasis treatment are to kill the fungus and keep it from spreading. Systemic antifungal therapy is required for esophageal candidiasis, and antifungal medication, including itraconazole, will most likely be prescribed. This keeps the fungus from spreading and aids in its elimination from the body. The medication can take the form of lozenges, tablets, or a liquid that you swish in your mouth like mouthwash before swallowing.
If your infection is milder, you may be intravenously given an antifungal medication called fluconazole in the clinic. People with advanced HIV may require stronger medication, including amphotericin B. Most notably, treating HIV is critical to managing esophageal candidiasis.