Candida esophagitis,also known as thrush of the esophagus occurs commonly after antibiotic administration and in immune suppressed individuals with diabetes,AIDS,cancer,lymphoma after radiation therapy,in alcoholism,and also for unknown reasons. Characteristically it causes pain while swallowing (called odynophagia). It is similar to thrush vaginitis. This is a fungal infection due to the presence of the fungus candida albicans. It is treated with fungicides such as nystatin,fluconazole,ketoconazole,itraconazole and amphotericin B. There is no relationship between candida esophagitis and reflux esophagitis. The latter is due to reflux of acid and enzymes into the distal esophagus (GERD) causing inflammation. Very serious and heavy bleeding may occur in persons with candida esophagitis |