Infections in the esophagus may be caused by Candida and herpes among others. To know how you can protect yourself, it is vital to gain a better understanding of the three. It also helps to gather information about the symptoms you need to watch out for so that you can possibly take measures before the problem takes a turn for the worse.
In this write-up, we have made an effort to simplify the technicalities of the three conditions to aid you in digesting the practical information which may come in handy not just for you but for the people you care about as well. Let it be noted though that the data presented here have inherent limitations. That being said, allow us to remind you that there is a wealth of other significant information about the topics discussed here. But considering that our primary goal is to communicate useful facts in a language that the average folk can comprehend, we know that our purpose is nevertheless achieved. Then again, we encourage you to continue consulting other sources to enrich your knowledge about health-related matters. Aside from the numerous advantages that it could bring, you can likewise improve the quality of your life while feeding your mind.
Now, let us start dissecting the terms. Candida, based on the definition offered by the University of Maryland Medical Center is a yeast-like fungus which is normally found in regulated amounts in the human body. Its overgrowth causes the development of conditions such as Candidiasis that affects the urinary tract, vagina, skin, mouth, and stomach. Rashes, irritations, patches, and blisters are some of the physical manifestations of such condition.
On the other hand, as described by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, herpes comes in two types. They are herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. The first one is characterized by infections in the face or mouth. The latter causes genital infections.
So what about esophageal conditions? The National Institutes of Health considers esophagitis as a general term used to describe any irritations, inflammation or swelling of the esophagus.
Symptoms of Candida overgrowth
Candidiasis may be the one to blame if your mouth or throat has creamy white patches in it. There are also instances when Candidiasis causes painful cracks in the mouth.
Itching and irritation in the female reproductive organ may also signal the same condition. Moreover, blisters and rashes found in the fingers, toes, groin, and breast may similarly be warning signs of the overgrowth of the yeast-like fungus.
Symptoms of herpes
Fluid-filled blisters in the buttocks, reproductive organ, thighs, and anus may serve as signs of the presence of herpes. Fever, swollen glands, and headaches are other symptoms of the same condition.
Symptoms of esophageal infection
Cough, sore throat, and acid reflux are some of the complaints made by people suffering from esophageal infections. They may likewise experience pain when swallowing food.
One thing in common: A weak immune system
If your immune system is weak, you are at risk of developing health-related concerns. For one, you may suffer from severe herpes outbreak and the condition may resurface at a high frequency as noted by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Also, an immune system that is not functioning well may give way to the development of yeast infection. In fact, as the University of Maryland Medical Center points out, a yeast infection related to Candida (a yeast-like fungi) is a common complaint among people with compromised immune systems. The naturopath Mark Lambert also reminds the public that an overgrowth of the yeast-like fungi may likewise cause further harm to the already weakened immune system.
Neal Chamberlain, a professor at the A.T. Still University, similarly notes that esophagitis is a condition which is common among immunocompromised individuals.
The body’s immune system may be impaired as a result of different factors. There are published reports which show that transplant, HIV infection, and chemotheraphy among others can lead to it.
Kick the habit
You and I have heard about one too many reminders of the bad effects of cigarette smoking. There is likewise no scarcity of available data when it comes to the disadvantages of excessive alcohol intake. Perhaps, there is no better time to heed the warnings than now. Doing so will not only help us avoid the problems related to esophageal infections. Rather, it can similarly save us from developing other health-related risks.
Self Defense
Taking into account that there is a link connecting the three conditions, it is safe to say that the best defense that you and I can possibly employ is prevention. We need to stop our bad habits. They do not only include the vices. Instead, such bad habits also include the unhealthy foods we usually fill our stomachs with. It also helps to squeeze in time to do regular exercise routines. Moreover, we should find time to visit the doctor to know if our body is giving any indication of possible problems.
References
http://www.apjtb.com/zz/jun/18.pdf
http://www.atsu.edu/faculty/chamberlain/Website/lectures/lecture/GI3.htm
http://www.candidahouse.com/page/1335624
http://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/stis/herpes/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7980741
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001153.htm
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/candidiasis-000030.htm
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/herpes-simplex-virus-infection-of-the-esophagus