Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Candida esophagitis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Candida, flourescent stain
Candida, flourescent stain
Candidal esophagitis
Candidal esophagitis
Upper gastrointestinal system
Upper gastrointestinal system

Alternative Names    Return to top

Candida infection - esophagus; Yeast infection - esophagus

Definition    Return to top

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

See also:

Causes    Return to top

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:

Oral thrush or a yeast infection makes an immunocompromised person more likely to get esophagitis.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Tests that show Candida include:

Treatment    Return to top

Antifungal medicines, taken by mouth or injection, are prescribed.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Esophagitis can usually be treated effectively. The outcome depends upon the underlying immune system problem that makes the person susceptible to the infection.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of esophagitis, especially if you know that you are immunosuppressed.

Prevention    Return to top

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.

Update Date: 11/1/2007

Updated by: Kenneth M. Wener, M.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.