Herpes esophagitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the esophagus—a muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Esophagitis is most often caused by acid reflux, however, infection from the herpes-simplex virus has also been found to be a significant contributing factor. In the following 3-minute article, we answer the question what is herpes esophagitis and discuss treatment, diagnosis, and symptoms of this common condition.
Herpes esophagitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the esophagus—a muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. It is a viral infection of the esophagus characterized by inflammation, throat pain, and a variety of other mild side effects. Herpes esophagitis is a condition caused by infection from both strains of the herpes simplex virus, although it is most often caused by herpes simplex virus type 1.
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, fluid-filled blisters that appear around the lips. They are a common viral infection; more than half of the United States population has been infected with a virus that causes cold sores during their lifetime.
Cold sore blisters are often grouped together in small patches. After these blisters break, scabs form. Cold sores usually disappear in two or three weeks and rarely leave any permanent marks.
Herpes esophagitis is often confused with cold sores because they form very similar blisters. While both conditions are common side effects of herpes-simplex infection, herpes esophagitis most often affects the throat, while cold sores most often appear around the lips.
Herpes esophagitis can result in inflammation or irritation of the esophagus. This may result in multiple side effects, including but not limited to the following:
Herpes esophagitis is a very curable condition with a treatment process that often takes less than a month from initiation to completion. In people with healthy immune systems, herpes esophagitis may heal on its own over the course of a couple days. Immunocompromised individuals, on the other hand, may require prescription medications like valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir to aid in the healing process.
If you are diagnosed with herpes esophagitis, you may initially be scared or troubled by your diagnosis. Herpes esophagitis may be a common condition, but its name is seldom mentioned in non-medical circles. Serious cases of herpes esophagitis can take more than a month to heal, but fortunately, there are multiple prescription medications available to treat them.
Herpes esophagitis is spread via infection from the herpes simplex virus. It is generally passed along between people through mouth-to-mouth contact or secondary contact by way of fingers and shared products such as lipstick and bottles. You can develop herpes esophagitis through close contact with someone who has cold sores, mouth ulcers, or any other symptom of herpes esophagitis.
If you have acquired herpes esophagitis or suspect you may have, it is essential to wash your hands and face as soon and as often as possible. You should also avoid contact with anyone who has had or may have an outbreak of herpes esophagitis.
Infections of herpes simplex virus are extremely common and can be very contagious. This makes it exceedingly important to refrain from interacting or making contact with anyone who is known to carry herpes esophagitis. An individual can reduce their chances of contracting or spreading herpes esophagitis through the following methods:
The first steps to diagnose herpes esophagitis usually involve your doctor examining your lips, mouth, and throat for the presence of cold sores or other side effects. Besides herpes, esophagitis can also be caused by strep throat, hand and foot, or mouth disease, making it important to see a doctor to confirm your condition.
Your doctor can use various diagnostic tools and processes to determine if you have herpes esophagitis. These may include throat and ulcer swabs, urine molecular tests, and antibody tests.
The three most popular treatment options for herpes esophagitis are the prescription medications acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. A medical professional may also recommend you eat a diet rich in vitamins, nutrients, and soft foods during treatment.
You can get a prescription for valacyclovir online here in 5 minutes or less.
Esophagitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the throat which can result in soreness, redness, and other side effects. Herpes esophagitis is a specific type of esophagitis that results from infection by the herpes simplex virus.
Herpes esophagitis is a curable condition that often takes just a few weeks to completely heal. Treatment for herpes esophagitis includes antiviral medications such as valacyclovir and acyclovir.
