ESOPHAGEAL CANDIDIASIS

A yeast infection of the esophagus is known as esophageal candidiasis. This disease is caused by Candida fungi. There are about 20 Candida species that can induce the condition, but Candida albicans is the most common.

Candida fungi are naturally present on the surface of the skin and within your body. Usually, your immune system can balance the good and bad bacteria in your body. A change in the balance between the Candida and your healthy bacteria, on the other hand, can cause the yeast to regrow and become infected.

SYMPTOMS

The following are the symptoms of esophageal candidiasis:

  • Discomfort or pain when swallowing
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Vomiting
  • White lesions on the esophagus lining

Esophageal candidiasis can also cause oral thrush by spreading to the inside of your mouth. Oral thrush signs include:

  • white lesions on your tonsils, tongue, and gums
  • cracking in the edge of your mouth

Breastfeeding mothers can get Candida in their nipples, which they can pass on to their babies. Among the symptoms are:

  • particularly red, sensitive, cracked, or itchy nipples
  • deep stabbing pains felt in the breast
  • significant discomfort while nursing

If you have these symptoms, keep an eye on your baby for signs of infection. When babies cannot express how they feel, they may become more irritable and fussy. They may also develop the characteristic white lesions linked with thrush.

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.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]