Which symptom is considered a hallmark of esophageal candidiasis?

Painful swallowing, or odynophagia, is considered a hallmark symptom of esophageal candidiasis. This condition arises from an overgrowth of Candida species in the esophagus, often occurring in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or those on immunosuppressive therapy.

Odynophagia is characterized by discomfort or pain when swallowing, which can be attributed to the inflammation and irritation of the esophageal mucosa caused by the fungal infection. Patients may describe the sensation as a burning or sharp pain, especially when swallowing solids or sometimes liquids.

While heartburn, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and chest pain can occur in various esophageal conditions, these symptoms are not as specific to candida infection as odynophagia. Heartburn is more commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), while dysphagia can result from various structural or motility disorders. Chest pain may arise from multiple causes, including cardiac issues or muscular problems, and does not specifically indicate esophageal candidiasis. Therefore, odynophagia serves as a key indicator in the diagnosis of this fungal esophageal infection.