Esophagitis Candida
Alternative names:
Candida infection of the esophagus; yeast infection of the
esophagus
Definition:
A fungal or yeast infection of the esophagus (a muscular
tube that leads from the back of the mouth to the stomach)
caused by the organism Candida. (Candida is normally referred
to as a yeast).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Oral candida or thrush is an unusual finding in the young
adult (it is somewhat more common in the elderly). It often
heralds a decrease in the ability of the immune system to
fight off an organism that normally does not cause severe
disease. People with AIDS
or others with damaged immune systems (organ transplant recipients,
diabetics, those undergoing chemotherapy,
and children with advanced leukemia
or lymphoma) are at risk
for candidal infections.
Candidal esophagitis
occurs when the organism spreads from the mouth down the esophagus.
Swallowing becomes difficult and painful. Fever
may occur if there is further dissemination (spreads) of the
fungus.
Oral thrush or yeast
infection predisposes an immunocompromised person to esophagitis.
The incidence is 1 in
10,000 persons.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
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