VIRAL ESOPHAGITIS Herpesviruses I and II, varicella-zoster virus, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can all cause esophagitis; particularly common in immunocompromised pts (e.g., AIDS). Odynophagia, dysphagia, fever, and bleeding are symptoms and signs. Diagnosis is made by endoscopy with biopsy, brush cytology, and cultures.
CANDIDA ESOPHAGITIS:- In immunocompromised hosts, or those malignancy, diabetes, hypoparathyroidism, hemoglobinopathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, corrosive esophageal injury, candidal esophageal infection may present with odynophagia, dysphagia, and oral thrush (50%). Diagnosis is made on endoscopy by identifying yellow-white plaques or nodules on friable red mucosa. Characteristic hyphae are seen on KOH stain. In pts with AIDS, the development of symptoms may prompt an empirical therapeutic trials.
PILL-RELATED ESOPHAGITIS: - Doxycycline, tetracycline, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, KCl, quinidine, ferrous sulfate, clindamycin, alprenolol, and alendronate can induce local inflammation in the esophagus. Predisposing factors include recumbency after swallowing pills with small sips of water and anatomic factors impinging on the esophagus and slowing transit.
EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS: - Mucosal inflammation with eosinophils with submucosal fibrosis can be seen especially in pts with food allergies. This diagnosis relies on the presence of symptoms of esophagitis with the appropriate findings on esophageal biopsy. Eotaxin 3, an eosinophil chemokine, has been implicated in its etiology. IL-5 and TARC (thymus and activation-related chemokine) levels may be elevated. Treatment involves a 12-week course of swallowed fluticasone (440 μg bid) using a metered-dose inhaler.
OTHER CAUSES OF ESOPHAGITIS IN AIDS:-
Mycobacteria, Cryptosporidium, Pneumocystis, idiopathic esophageal ulcers, and giant ulcers (possible cytopathic effect of HIV) can occur. Ulcers may respond to systemic glucocorticoids.
The Homeopathic medicines that can be thought of use are:-
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