Candida Esophagitis : Treatment

Comments:
Treatment: In immunocompetent patients, the treatment of candida esophagitis consists of oral fluconazole or a topical antifungal agent like clotrimazole or nystatin. Fluconazole is easier to administer but may cause systemic adverse effects. Topical agents are difficult to apply because of the location but are free of side effects as they are not absorbed systemically. Intravenous therapy is used in refractory cases.

This image from an esophageal biopsy shows acutely inflamed squamous mucosa. The debris on the surface contains yeast forms as well as fungal hyphae admixed with neutrophils and squames.

Image courtesy of: Phoenix Bell, MD