Candida Esophagitis Symptoms: Its Causes And Treatment Options

Candida Esophagitis Symptoms: Its Causes And Treatment Options . Candida esophagitis is esophageal yeast infection. Esophagus is medical name for food pipe. It is a small tube through which the food passes from mouth into the stomach. Candida albicans is one of the most common fungus (yeast) organisms that is found in the gastrointestinal tract, vagina and in the mouth.

In small numbers, it remains in harmony with other useful bacteria. But few circumstances can increase their colony and contribute to Candida disease. The organism can cause esophagitis (inflammation of esophagus) when it invades the esophagus. If it invades in large number in vagina, the condition is called vaginal Candidiasis and in the mouth it is called thrush.

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Candida esophagitis in particular and Candida infection in general is an opportunistic infection. The germs multiply and produce infection when the immune system is suppressed. It can be as a result of too much of antibiotics, diabetes, immune suppressing drugs etc. The condition is brought under control by boosting the immune system and use of anti-fungal drugs.

Causes Of Candida Esophagitis

As mentioned above, Candida Albicans is an opportunistic yeast infection. Candida esophagitis is caused by Candida germs. The moment they find a favorable environment they grow unrestricted. Usually before invading the esophagus, Candida generally targets mouth.

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It then spreads down into the esophagus. However, this is not the rule, in few cases; the germs may directly invade and multiply in the esophagus without disturbing the bacterial flora in the mouth.

Candida esophagitis generally occurs in a person whose immune system has become weak. It is almost always a complication of other disease. There are several reasons for your immune system to become weak. Here are few diseases that can lower your immune system. HIV infection, excessive and prolonged use of antibiotics, chemotherapy in cancer patients, diabetes mellitus, blood cancer, use of immune suppressing drugs after organ transplant and any other condition which is responsible for low immunity level may become a cause for development of Candida esophagitis.

Candida Esophagitis Symptoms And Diagnosis

Candida esophagitis may have the same symptoms found in any other form of esophagitis. The prominent symptom is difficulty in swallowing solid and liquid. This occurs as the interlining of the esophagus is swollen and irritated.

• You may not be able to see the white patches in the inner lining. They can be visualized on endoscopy.
• Patient complains of pain in the chest while swallowing the food. He also feels nauseated.
• Patient has a feeling as if the food has stuck in the food pipe (esophagus). Sometimes there is pain behind the breast bone.
• Mouth thrush is invariably present in people who suffer from Candida esophagitis.
• Weight loss, loss of appetite is also precipitating symptoms.

Candida Esophagitis DiagnosisFrom history and presenting symptoms, the physician is able to suspect Candida esophagitis, especially when the underlying cause is known. For example, patient has history of HIV infection, or diabetes, etc. Besides, usually in most cases there is oral thrush.

To confirm the diagnosis and start treatment the physician may perform endoscopy. A small flexible tube is passed through the mouth into the esophagus to visualize it. Small biopsy of white patchy material are taken and sent for culture and analysis. Laboratory findings will clear if the sent material is Candida infection of esophagus.

Treatment For Candida Esophagitis

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treating the condition is inevitable. Any delay can increase the risk of further damage. To begin with, the patient may be prescribed oral anti fungal medicines. Topical anti fungal medications are also valuable if there is thrush in mouth. In many cases where the disease is severe, the medicines may be given intravenously.

Besides medicines, patient may also need to boost his immune level. This he can do by following certain tips.

• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes.
• Eat healthy food that contains plenty of vitamins and minerals. Vegetables, eggs, fish etc are good source. However, as Candida thrives on sugar, you should avoid sugar containing foods which also includes most fruits.
• Follow healthy hygienic practices.
• Garlic is considered to be an effective home remedy against Candida infection. However, since garlic can cause irritation in the esophagus, you should consume as garlic pills. They are available in medical stores.