CANDIDAL OESOPHAGITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Candidal oesophagitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and infection of the esophagus caused by Candida species, specifically Candida albicans. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach.
Candidal oesophagitis typically occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, or taking immunosuppressive medications. It may also affect individuals with certain underlying conditions, such as diabetes or those with a history of esophageal damage.
The infection occurs when Candida yeast, normally found in small amounts in the mouth and digestive tract, overgrow and invade the lining of the esophagus. This can lead to symptoms including painful swallowing (dysphagia), chest pain, and a feeling of food getting stuck in the esophagus (odynophagia).
Diagnosis of candidal oesophagitis involves a combination of clinical assessment, endoscopy, and taking a tissue sample for microscopic examination and culture to confirm the presence of candida. Treatment often involves antifungal medications, such as fluconazole or voriconazole, taken orally or intravenously depending on the severity of the infection.
Prognosis for candidal oesophagitis is generally good with appropriate treatment. However, if left untreated or if the individual's immune system remains compromised, the infection may become chronic or recurrent, leading to potential complications such as strictures or narrowing of the esophagus.
Common Misspellings for CANDIDAL OESOPHAGITIS
- xandidal oesophagitis
- vandidal oesophagitis
- fandidal oesophagitis
- dandidal oesophagitis
- czndidal oesophagitis
- csndidal oesophagitis
- cwndidal oesophagitis
- cqndidal oesophagitis
- cabdidal oesophagitis
- camdidal oesophagitis
- cajdidal oesophagitis
- cahdidal oesophagitis
- cansidal oesophagitis
- canxidal oesophagitis
- cancidal oesophagitis
- canfidal oesophagitis
- canridal oesophagitis
- caneidal oesophagitis
- candudal oesophagitis
- candjdal oesophagitis
Etymology of CANDIDAL OESOPHAGITIS
The word "candidal" in "candidal oesophagitis" is derived from the name of the fungus Candida, which is the causative agent of this condition. Candida is a type of yeast that normally exists in small amounts in the human body, including the gastrointestinal tract. However, under certain circumstances, such as a weakened immune system or imbalanced microbial flora, Candida can overgrow and cause an infection.
The term "oesophagitis" refers to the inflammation of the esophagus, which is the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach. When Candida infects the esophagus, it leads to inflammation and various symptoms, collectively known as "candidal oesophagitis".
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