Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Esophageal candidiasis natural history, complications and prognosis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Candida esophagitis is very responsive to antifungal therapy. Complications can be systemic due to the spread of infection to the blood stream or local as esophageal stricture and obstruction.
Natural history
Natural history
If left untreated, complications as esophageal stricture and candidaemia ensue.
Complications
Complications
Complications can be systemic due to spread of candida or localized due to the local invasion of the fungus.[1]
- Systemic spread and fungemia
- Esophageal perforation
- Tracheoesophageal fistula
- Esophageal stricture
- Esophageal obstruction
Prognosis
Prognosis
- Prognosis is excellent and Esophageal candidiaisis is usually responsive to antifungal treatment.
- Recurrence is common after treatment due to persistence of the predisposing immunosuppression.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]