Esophageal candidiasis is caused by forms of a fungus called Candida. A small amount of this fungus lives in your mouth and mucous membranes most of the time. It is usually kept in check by your immune system and other types of germs that also normally live in your mouth. However, when your immune system is weaker, the fungus can grow, leading to sores (lesions) in your esophagus. The following can increase your chances of getting thrush:
Taking steroid medications Having an HIV infection or AIDS Receiving chemotherapy for cancer or drugs to suppress your immune system following an organ transplantation Being very old or very young Being in poor health
What causes Oral candidiasis?
Esophageal candidiasis is caused by forms of a fungus called Candida. A small amount of this fungus lives in your mouth and mucous membranes most of the time. It is usually kept in check by your immune system and other types of germs that also normally live in your mouth. However, when your immune system is weaker, the fungus can grow, leading to sores (lesions) in your esophagus. The following can increase your chances of getting thrush:
Taking steroid medications Having an HIV infection or AIDS Receiving chemotherapy for cancer or drugs to suppress your immune system following an organ transplantation Being very old or very young Being in poor health