Oesophageal mycosis most often attacks people with weakened immune systems, especially those suffering from AIDS. The prevalence of oesophageal candidiasis in people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome is as high as 50%. Who else is at risk of developing esophageal mycosis? How to recognize the symptoms of the disease? What is the treatment?

Mycosis (candidiasis) of the esophagusis a disease caused by parasitic fungi. Oesophageal mycosis initially causes white patches on the mucosa of the esophagus. The next stage of the disease is the swelling of the esophageal mucosa, which causes unpleasantsymptomsfrom the digestive system. If not treated properly, ulcers will develop and further damage the mucosa.

Mycosis (candidiasis) of the esophagus - causes and risk factors

The esophagus fungus is most often caused by fungi of the genusCandida , especially Candida albicans .This fungus occurs in 40-80 percent humans and belongs to the physiological flora of the gastrointestinal tract. It does not cause disease symptoms in he althy people. However, when the immune system is disturbed, the fungus begins to spread excessively and cause disease symptoms.

Oesophageal mycosis most often affects people with weakened immune systems.

The risk of developing esophageal candidiasis is mainly composed of people with reduced immunity, e.g. people suffering from AIDS, taking immunosuppressive drugs (e.g. people after transplantation), and dealing with chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes) , autoimmune diseases), addicted to drugs and alcohol, malnourished, deficient in iron and vitamins A, B1, B2.

Oesophageal mycosis can also occur in people struggling with diseases of the digestive system, such as esophageal achalasia (i.e. its narrowing) and others that contribute to the retention of food content in it.

People who are taking chronic anti-ulcer drugs lowering gastric pH, glucocorticosteroids and antibiotics, as well as hospitalized in the intensive care unit and after surgery or endoscopic examination of the upper part of the system, are also exposed to mycosis of the esophagus.digestive system.

Oesophageal mycosis can also occur in newborns with low birth weight and in the elderly.

Mycosis (candidiasis) of the esophagus - symptoms

Oesophageal mycosis is asymptomatic in most cases and is discovered accidentally during tests for other reasons. Only in some patients the following may appear:

  • pain when swallowing

Oesophageal mycosis is asymptomatic in most cases.

  • heartburn
  • nausea
  • foreign body sensation in the esophagus that may cause discomfort behind the breastbone
  • pain in the area of ​​the spine and back

Accompanying symptoms may include fever, chills, and abdominal pain.

Sometimes the presence of aphthas may be evidence of esophageal mycosis. In addition, oral thrush is found in half of oesophageal candidiasis.

Mycosis (candidiasis) of the esophagus - diagnosis

If esophageal mycosis is suspected, gastroscopy is performed to reveal changes on the esophageal mucosa. During the examination, fragments of diseased tissues can be collected for mycological tests, thanks to which it is known to which drug the fungi are susceptible.

Mycosis (candidiasis) of the esophagus - treatment

If the disease is asymptomatic, no treatment is given. In other cases, the treatment of oesophageal mycosis consists of oral antibiotics. However, these drugs can upset the balance of the gut flora. To prevent this, probiotics are also taken at the same time. In more severe cases, drugs are administered intravenously.

It is also advisable to follow a proper diet. Sugar and products containing it (including fruit and fruit juices) should be eliminated from the menu, as it is a nutrient for mushrooms. People with esophageal mycosis should not consume wheat flour products (e.g. white bread). The list of prohibited products also includes blue cheeses. Vegetables and protein-rich foods (milk, yellow and white cheeses) are recommended.

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Category:

Gastrology