Viral, bacterial and fungal infections of the esophagus (esophagitis) | Inflammation digestive tract

Viral, bacterial and fungal infections of the esophagus (esophagitis)

  • Cause:Among other things, viruses, bacteria and fungi can also colonize and inflame the mucous membrane. Often the triggering pathogens are also found in healthy people. Here they belong to the normal microbiological colonization of the mouth and throat area and have no disease value.

    These forms of oesophagitis therefore usually occur in immunocompromised people, such as HIV-infected persons or those whose oesophagus has already been damaged, for example by medication or alcohol.

  • Symptoms:Those affected often complain of heartburn, i.e. pain in the upper part of the stomach and behind the breastbone.Furthermore, swallowing difficulties can occur in combination with pain during swallowing. Some vomit because the damaged oesophagus can no longer properly transport the food it has taken in.
  • Diagnosis:The diagnosis can usually be made according to the symptoms and the previous medical history of the person concerned. A fungal infestation can often be recognized by a look in the throat.

    For the cultivation of a possible bacterial pathogen a smear of the throat is necessary.

  • Therapy: Depending on the triggering pathogen, different drug therapies are possible. Antimycotics such as Fluconazole are available for a fungal infestation, antibiotics for a bacterial infestation and antiviral drugs for an infestation by viruses, especially by herpes viruses.
  • Cause: Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) occurs when the stomach’s own protection is no longer sufficient to protect itself against the hydrochloric acid that is important for digestion. There is an imbalance between acid production and acid protection.

    The acid consequently attacks the mucous membrane. The most common causes of acute inflammation are medication, especially painkillers, excessive alcohol and/or nicotine consumption, a lot of stress, viruses or bacteria. The most common cause of chronic gastritis is a bacterium, namely Helicobacter pylori.

  • Symptoms:Those affected suffer from a feeling of pressure and pain in the upper abdomen, which worsens under pressure on the stomach area.

    Many complain of nausea and loss of appetite.

  • Diagnosis:The diagnosis can usually be made on the basis of the symptoms and the history of the affected person. If there is recurrent inflammation of the gastric mucosa, further diagnostic measures should be carried out to detect possible colonization by the stomach germ Helicobacter. The germ is able to irritate and damage the mucous membrane so severely that ulcers can develop and bleed unnoticed.

    These ulcers can also be a precursor to stomach cancer. The germ can be detected by means of a special breath test. In the case of recurrent inflammation, a gastroscopy is also recommended in order to rule out possible ulcers or, if necessary, to be able to better plan the further procedure.

    During the endoscopy, small gastric mucosa samples can be taken and also tested for Helicobacter pylori.

  • Therapy:If medication, alcohol or nicotine are the cause of the inflammation, they should be avoided in order to allow healing and to protect the stomach. If the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach occurs more frequently, drugs that neutralize the hydrochloric acid or lead to less of it being produced are recommended. If the stomach germ Helicobacter can be detected, a so-called eradication therapy should be carried out with the aim of destroying the bacterium in the stomach with the help of certain antibiotics.