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What Causes Herpes Infections In Eye With Herpes Esophagitis?

Posted on Sat, 7 Jun 2014

Question: This question is for Dr. XXXXXXX Chail.
Hi Dr. Chail, Hopefully you remember me. My brother has developed an eye infection. They are calling in an infectious disease specialist. As you know he has common variable auto immune deficiency syndrome. He recently developed herpes esophagitis. I am quite concerned that he has herpes in his eyes. How serious is eye herpes and herpes esophagitis? He also is having bleeding problems. They are going to do a endoscopic procedure that goes into the small intestine to see where the bleeding may be. He is not in good condition. Of course, I am bothered
because I may have given him the herpes. I would appreciate your opinion. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Request further information

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

There are two types of herpes infections in the eyes. The herpes zoster ophthalmicus and herpes simplex krratitis. I suppose he has herpes simplex keratitis but I want to know if the doctors have specified any particular infection.

As he has been having herpes esophagitis since before I want to know the treatment he is presently taking for it.

Please update me so that we can take the discussion further.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (7 hours later)

The infectious disease dr says it is not a bacterial eye infection . His treatment for herpes esophagitis is antibiotics and an anti-viral. That's all the specifics I have.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please find detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

In herpes zoster redness, rash, or sores on the eyelids and around the eyes, especially on the forehead. Sometimes the rash breaks out on the tip of the nose. In herpes simplex keratitis feeling of dirt or "grit" in the eye, overflowing tears and pain when looking at bright light are usually seen. Treatment in both conditions remains the same any may include antiviral medications and corticosteroids. Antibiotics might have been given to treat secondary bacterial infections.

Unfortunately, herpetic eye disease can be painful even after several days of treatment and even when the eye is starting to look better. This can be discouraging, but it does not mean that the treatment is a failure. The medications are working, and the pain will go away eventually.

The herpes esophagitis needs emergency medical treatment and if necessary the endoscopic procedure. This is to prevent further bleeding, anemia and weakness.

I still am of the opinion that you should not hold yourself responsible for transmitting herpes infection to your brother. It is secondary to common variable auto immune deficiency syndrome as we have discussed before.

Wishing him speedy recovery.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (16 hours later)

Thank you for your clear, understandable and comforting response I'll keep you
informed. Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Welcome.

Please do not hold yourself responsible for your brothers conditions.

Do keep me informed.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar