Tuesday, February, 14, 2012

Candida Esophagitis

Table of Contents

Definition

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

See also:

  • Candida-associated diaper dermatitis
  • Candidiasis - oral
  • Vaginal candidiasis


Alternative Names

Candida infection - esophagus; Yeast infection - esophagus


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Chemotherapy
  • Diabetes
  • Leukemia or lymphoma
  • Organ transplants
  • Other conditions that suppress or weaken the immune system

If you have a weakened immune system, thrush in the mouth (oral thrush) makes you more likely to get Candida esophagitis.


Review Date: 08/28/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)