The esophagus is part of the throat, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
There are many possiblecauses of esophagitis.
What Is Herpes Esophagitis?
Moyo Studio / Getty Images
The majority of cases of esophagitis are not because of infection.
In fact, esophagitis is most often because of gastrointestinalreflux.
However, in rare cases, infection with a herpes simplex virus can lead to herpes esophagitis.
Most but not all cases of herpes esophagitis are in people who are immunocompromised.
How Common Is Herpes Esophagitis?
Infectious esophagitis is a relatively rare condition.
Infectious esophagitis is so uncommon that scientists dont make estimates about its prevalence in the general population.
Research suggests that the vast majority of infectious esophagitis cases are caused byCandidaspecies (i.e., yeast).
Symptoms
Symptoms of herpes esophagitis are similar to symptoms of other infections involving the throat.
But HSV-1 isnt only transmitted through intimate kissing; its also often transmitted within families through casual contact.
HSV-1 causes most cases of herpes esophagitis.
HSV-2, also referred to as the genital herpes virus, can also cause herpes esophagitis.
HSV-2 infections of the throat are thought to be primarily caused byunprotected oral sex.
(Unprotected oral sex can also spread HSV-1 from the mouth to the genitals.)
For example, they may have other infections of the esophagus.
Other risk factors include:
What Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
Eosinophilic esophagitis is resulting from chronic, allergic inflammation of the esophagus.
In addition to an allergic reaction, this immune response can be sparked by acid reflux.
Symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis are very similar to those for herpes esophagitis.
However, people with herpes esophagitis may experience visible sores at the back of the mouth or the throat.
Similar sores would not be expected in eosinophilic esophagitis.
Eosinophilic esophagitis can take place in people of any age.
It may cause difficulty with eating and failure to thrive.
Treatment may involve addressing either the underlying swelling or its causes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of herpes esophagitis may be by either a dentist or a medical doctor.
In either case, the healthcare professional will generally use an endoscope to look inside your esophagus.
Endoscopyis usually performed under sedation but not general anesthesia.
During the procedure, the provider will look for swelling and irritation that is characteristic of esophagitis.
They will also take samples from any sores to determine if a herpes virus or other infection is present.
The leading infectious cause of esophagitis iscandidiasis.
People can be infected with both candida and herpes in their throats.
However, acyclovir can still be used for treatment.
There have been a number of published case reports of herpes esophagitis in healthy children.
As in adults, herpes esophagitis in children may be self-limiting.
It can also be treated with acyclovir.
Herpes infections may be particularly serious in newborn infants.
Prevention
Herpes virus infections are incredibly common.
It is possible to reduce your risk of herpes infection or spreading it to other people.
Rosoowski M, Kierzkiewicz M.Etiology, diagnosis and treatment of infectious esophagitis.Prz Gastroenterol.
2018;31(12):10.1093/dote/doy094.
doi:10.1093/dote/doy094
Hirano I, Furuta GT.Approaches and challenges to management of pediatric and adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.Gastroenterology.
2018;104:48-55. doi:10.1016/j.jcv.2018.04.016
James SH, Kimberlin DW.Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection: epidemiology and treatment.Clin Perinatol.
2015;42(1):47-viii.
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.
Centers for Disease Control and Infection.Genital herpesCDC fact sheet (detailed).
