Candida esophagitis is a yeast infection of the esophagus, the tube that guides food from the mouth to the stomach. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast, which has spread from the mouth---where it is a normal inhabitant---to the esophagus. This infection most often occurs in people with a weakened immune system. It may also occur when strong antibiotics are taken over a prolonged period.
Painful Swallowing
Candida infection inflames the lining of the esophagus, causing pain with swallowing. The pain can be quite severe, limiting the ability to eat and drink sufficient amounts. Initially, this symptom may be more pronounced with solids than liquids.
Difficulty Swallowing
Beyond the pain associated with swallowing, people with Candida espophagitis often experience a sensation of blockage or obstruction in the esophagus that accompanies swallowing.
Chest Pain
Many people with Candida esophagitis experience chest pain under the breastbone, where the esophagus is located. The pain can range from a feeling much like heartburn to an intense pain that may be confused with heart pain (also known as angina).
Nausea and Vomiting
Candida esophagitis may lead to nausea with or without vomiting. When vomiting occurs, streaks of blood can occur in the vomited material due to irritation of the esophageal lining. Uncommonly, Candida esophagitis can lead to a hole in the esophagus, which may cause vomiting with profound bleeding. This is a medical emergency. If you experience vomiting with profound bleeding, call 911 immediately.
Bad Breath
The overgrowth of yeast with Candida esophagitis can cause an unpleasant breath odor. People that have had yeast infections of the mouth or esophagus in the past can often identify this odor as coming from a Candida infection.
White Coating of the Mouth
Candida esophagitis may be accompanied by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth as well. The yeast forms a thick white coat on the tongue and inside of the mouth. Painful mouth sores often accompany this symptom.
Fever
Candida esophagitis can cause a fever if the infection spreads beyond the esophagus into the blood stream. When the infection is confined to the esophagus, there is typically no accompanying fever.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th Edition"; Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Eugene Braunwald, M.D., Kurt J. Isselbacher, M.D., Jean D. Wilson, M.D., Joseph B. Martin, M.D., Ph.D., Dennis L. Kasper, M.D., Stephen L. Hauser, M.D., Dan L. Longo, M.D., Editors; 1998
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Fourth Edition"; Gerald L. Mandell, M.D., John E. Bennett, M.D., Raphael Dolin, M.D., Editors; 1995
