Infectious esophagitis is a condition where the lining of the esophagus becomes irritated and inflamed due to an infection. This infection can be caused by various agents including fungi, yeast, viruses, or bacteria. One common form of this infection is Candidiasis, sometimes referred to as moniliasis or a yeast infection. This infection typically occurs when yeast, a normal inhabitant of the digestive system, skin, and mucous membranes, overgrows due to certain conditions such as a compromised immune system, damaged skin, or warm and humid environments.
In children, Candidiasis can affect different body areas, including the diaper region and the oral cavity, known as oral thrush. Oral thrush is characterized by milky white or yellow patches on the tongue or inner cheeks, which can be painful and may bleed. Treatment usually involves antifungal medication.
Fungal infections can also cause lung infections that mimic pneumonia symptoms. In California and Arizona, about 20% of pneumonia cases are attributed to Valley fever, a fungal infection. Diagnosing fungal infections like histoplasmosis and blastomycosis can be challenging and often delayed.
Poststreptococcal inflammatory syndromes (PSIS), occurring typically two to three weeks after a strep infection, can manifest in various symptoms including fever, arthritis, skin rashes, subcutaneous nodules, chorea, and heart disease. It’s important for healthcare providers to consider fungal infections as a potential cause of lung inflammation in these cases.
Infections in the digestive tract can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These infections often result in symptoms like fever, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, they can lead to dehydration, emphasizing the importance of fluid replacement.
In immunocompromised patients, fever patterns are not specifically associated with certain infections, and serious infections can occur even without the presence of fever. Fever, defined as an early morning body temperature higher than normal, is a common symptom of various infections and conditions.
Key symptoms of infection include chills, fever, chest pain, breathing difficulties, and persistent vomiting. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms arise.
For further information on infectious esophagitis and related conditions, please refer to the following resources:
University of Rochester Candidiasis
Candidiasis in Children
Fungal Infections as Cause for Lung Inflammation
Poststreptococcal Inflammatory Syndromes
Viruses, Bacteria and Parasites in the Digestive Tract
Fever in Immunocompromised Patients
Fever – Harvard Health
Thrush in Children
