What is esophageal candidiasis?
Esophageal candidiasis is an infection of the esophagus — the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that is normally found in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract and vagina, as well as on the skin. Candida is part of the normal “flora” of bacteria and fungi that live in or on the human body. Candida causes health problems only when there is an overgrowth. Esophageal candidiasis is an AIDS-defining illness. Like most of the conditions associated with AIDS, esophageal candidiasis has become rare, thanks to effective combination antiretroviral therapy (drug cocktails). What are the symptoms of esophageal candidiasis? Candidiasis in the esophagus can cause difficulty swallowing, a sore throat and sometimes a feeling of chest pain, just behind the breastbone. Diagnosis Esophageal candidiasis is usually diagnosed on the basis of the patient’s symptoms, and treatment begins right away. However, since there are other conditions that can c
