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| Definition: | A fungal or yeast infection of the esophagus (a muscular tube that carries food -- it leads from the back of the mouth to the stomach) caused by the yeast Candida.
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| Alternative Names: | Candida infection - esophagus; Yeast infection - esophagus
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: | Oral candida or thrush is an unusual finding in the young adult, although it is somewhat more common in the elderly. It often heralds a decrease in the strength of the immune system. People with AIDS or others with compromised immune systems (organ transplant recipients, diabetics, those undergoing chemotherapy, and those with 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.
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Review Date: 2/22/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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