ESOPHAGITIS: Causes, Clinical Features and Treatment

Introduction 

It refers either to infection or inflammation of the esophagus.

The most common infection is from Candida albicans. Candida esophagitis exclusively occurs in HIV-positive patients with CD4 counts <200/mm³ (often even <100/mm³). The second most common risk for developing candida esophagitis is Diabetes Mellitus.

Inflammatory Esophagitis occurs as a complication of Gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Clinical Presentation

Candida esophagitis patient presents with progressive odynophagia (painful swallowing initially to food, overtime progresses for liquids also)

Candida albicans cause oral thrush but in 35% patients of candida esophagitis will not have oral thrush.

Esophagitis pain is simply because of mechanical irritation by food of the inflamed area.

Treatment

Treatment for candida esophagitis in HIV-positive patient is Fluconazole, improved symptoms confirms the diagnosis.

If symptoms do not improve, perform Endoscopy and Biopsy to find out the actual cause.

Esophagitis can be resulted from some medications. The most common pills causing esophagitis are alendronate (used in bone disease), quinine (in malaria), potassium chloride (in hypokalemia etc), NSAIDS (in pain and inflammation), Vitamin C, and iron sulfate.

Pill esophagitis can be prevented by taking pills in an upright position with enough water to push them into the stomach.

Have a great and healthy life ahead