Pain when eating or swallowing especially in the throat or gullet (oesophagus) is a common presenting problem in persons with symptomatic HIV disease.

Causes

More often than not this is due to a Candida infection which results in inflammation and ulceration in the oesophagus and pharynx. Other causes include CMV, herpes simplex virus infection, Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma.

What to do

These symptoms need to be discussed with your doctor. If due to a Candida infection then rapid relief can be achieved by treatment with an antifungal drug. Occasionally it may be necessary to carry out a gastroscopy or barium swallow to establish a diagnosis. See Candidiasis in Symptoms and illnesses: A to Z of illnesses for further information.