Fungal Esophagitis

Fungal esophagitis: Candida most common (C. albicans > C. tropicalis/krusei); rare actinomycetes/mucor/plant fungi; primary esophageal infection only in severe immunocompromise.

Common Symptoms

Stomatitis; sore throat; odynophagia; dysphagia; esophageal malignancy; anorexia

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: Candida on normal skin/mucosa; overgrowth when resistance drops or broad-spectrum antibiotics suppress competing flora. Predispose: advanced malignancy on chemo/radiation; long antibiotics/steroids; diabetes/aplastic anemia; reflux esophagitis with erosions; AIDS/HIV. (2) Pathogenesis: oral Candida normally controlled by competing bacteria; antibiotics/immunosuppression → fungal invasion of esophageal epithelium → necrotic pseudomembranes (fibrin + debris + pseudohyphae); shed pseudomembrane leaves congested ulcerated mucosa.

Treatment

Drug therapy, rehabilitation

Preventive Measures

Iatrogenic: broad-spectrum antibiotics/H2 blockers/PPI disrupt flora → fungal overgrowth; steroids/immunosuppressants; scleroderma/achalasia/esophageal cancer stasis. Judicious antibiotic use is key.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Gastroenterology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.