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Alternative names Return to top
Herpes esophagitisDefinition Return to top
Herpes esophagitis is an infection causing inflammation and ulcers in the esophagus. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Infection of the esophagus by the herpes simplex virus in individuals with normal immune systems is very rare and usually runs its course without treatment, but severe and persistent esophagitis can occur in an immunosuppressed or immunodeficient person.
Herpetic esophagitis causes excruciating pain when swallowing. The infection is frequently associated with fever and occasionally chills. Healthy individuals recover spontaneously in 3 to 5 days but those with weakened immune systems take longer.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The objective of treatment is to control the infection with antiviral medications. Pain medicine can also be given.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Esophagitis can usually be treated effectively. The outcome depends upon the underlying immunodeficiency that makes the person more susceptible to the infection.
Complications Return to top
Complications include recurrent infections.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have any condition that may result in reduced immune response and symptoms of esophagitis herpes develop.
Prevention Return to top
The herpes simplex virus is contagious by direct contact, so avoid contact with known herpes lesions.
Update Date: 2/3/2004 Updated by: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |