Candida esophagitis is a fungal or yeast infection of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

See also:

• Candida-associated diaper dermatitis
• Candidiasis - oral
• Vaginal candidiasis

Candida esophagitis is caused by the yeast Candida. It occurs when the yeast spreads from the mouth down the esophagus.

The condition is often a sign of a weakened immune system. The following raise your risk for Candida infections:

• AIDS
• Chemotherapy
• Diabetes
• Leukemia or lymphoma
• Organ transplants
• Other conditions that suppress or weakened the immune system

Oral thrush or yeast infection makes an immunocompromised person more likely to get esophagitis.

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever if the fungus spreads further
• Painful swallowing
• Possible Candida in the mouth (oral thrush, with white mouth sores)

Tests that show Candida include:

• EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) with or without biopsy, staining, and culture
• Throat swab culture
• Upper GI and small bowel series