Inflammation of the esophagus, making swallowing food difficult.Encyclopedia Entry for Esophagitis :Esophagitis - infectious. Infectious esophagitis is rare. It often occurs in people whose immune systems are weakened. People who have strong immune systems don't usually develop the infection. Common causes of a weakened immune system include: HIV/ AIDS Chemotherapy Diabetes Leukemia or lymphoma Medicines that suppress the immune system, such as ones given after organ or bone marrow transplant Other conditions that suppress or weaken your immune system Organisms (germs) that cause esophagitis include fungi, yeast, and viruses. Common organisms include: Candida albicans Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Human papillomavirus (HPV) Tuberculosis bacteria ( Mycobacterium tuberculosis ).Symptoms of esophagitis include: Difficulty swallowing and painful swallowing Fever and chills Yeast infection of the tongue and lining of the mouth ( oral thrush ) Sores in the mouth or back of the throat (with herpes or CMV).The health care provider will ask about your symptoms and examine your mouth and throat. Tests may include: Blood and urine tests for CMV Culture of cells from the esophagus for herpes or CMV Mouth or throat swab culture for candida You may need to have an upper endoscopy exam. This is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus.In most people with esophagitis, medicines can control the infection. These include: Antiviral medicines such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir can treat a herpes infection. Antifungal medicines such as fluconazole (taken by mouth), caspofungin (given by injection), or amphotericin (given by injection) can treat candida infection. Antiviral medicines that are given through a vein (intravenously), such as ganciclovir or foscarnet can treat CMV infection. In some cases, a medicine called valganciclovir, which is taken by mouth, can be used for CMV infection. Some people may also need pain medicine. Ask your provider for special diet recommendations. For example, there may be foods you need to avoid eating as your esophagitis heals. Many people who are treated for an episode of infectious esophagitis need other, long-term medicines to suppress the virus or fungus, and to prevent the infection from coming back.Esophagitis can usually be treated effectively and usually heals in 3 to 5 days. People with a weakened immune system may take longer to get better.Health problems that may result from infectious esophagitis include: Holes in your esophagus (perforations) Infection at other sites Recurrent infection.Call your provider if you have any condition that can cause reduced immune response and you develop symptoms of infectious esophagitis.If you have a weakened immune system, try to avoid contact with people who have an infection with any of the organisms mentioned above.Infection - esophagus; Esophageal infection.Herpetic esophagitis Herpetic esophagitis Upper gastrointestinal system Upper gastrointestinal system CMV esophagitis CMV esophagitis Candidal esophagitis Candidal esophagitis.Graman PS. Esophagitis.Encyclopedia Entry for Esophagitis :Esophagitis. Esophagitis is often caused by stomach fluid that flows back into the food pipe. The fluid contains acid, which irritates the tissue. This problem is called gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). An autoimmune disorder called eosinophilic esophagitis also causes this condition. The following increase your risk of this condition: Alcohol use Cigarette smoking Surgery or radiation to the chest (for example, treatment for lung cancer) Taking certain medicines without drinking plenty of water. These medicines include alendronate, doxycycline, ibandronate, risedronate, tetracycline, potassium tablets, and vitamin C Vomiting People who have a weakened immune system may develop infections. Infections may lead to swelling of the food pipe. Infection may be due to: Fungi or yeast (most often Candida) Viruses, such as herpes or cytomegalovirus.The infection or irritation may cause the food pipe to become inflamed. Sores called ulcers may form. Symptoms may include: Cough Difficulty swallowing Painful swallowing Heartburn (acid reflux) Hoarseness Sore throat.The doctor may perform the following tests: Esophageal manometry Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), removing a piece of tissue from the food pipe for examination ( biopsy ) Upper GI series (barium swallow x-ray).Treatment depends on the cause. Common treatment options are: Medicines that reduce stomach acid in case of reflux disease Antibiotics to treat infections Medicines and diet changes to treat eosinophilic esophagitis Medicines to coat the lining of the food pipe to treat damage related to pills.Most of the time, the disorders that cause swelling of the food pipe, respond to treatment.If not treated, this condition may cause severe discomfort. Scarring (stricture) of the food pipe may develop. This can cause swallowing problems. A condition called Barrett esophagus (BE) can develop after years of GERD. Rarely, BE may lead to cancer of the food pipe.Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of esophagitis.Inflammation - esophagus; Erosive esophagitis; Ulcerative esophagitis.Anti-reflux surgery - discharge.Esophagus and stomach anatomy Esophagus and stomach anatomy Esophagus Esophagus.Falk GW, Katzka DA. Diseases of the esophagus.