What Is Barrett’s Esophagus
The tube that connects your mouth and stomach is your esophagus. The lining of your esophagus consists of stratified squamous cells. The stomach’s acidic contents can easily damage these skin cells.
These cells are replaced in Barrett’s Esophagus by columnar epithelium. This is similar to cells that line the intestines and stomach. Your body is trying to protect your esophagus from damage caused by stomach acid.
While this may seem like a useful adaptation, Barrett’s Esophagus increases your risk of esophageal carcinoma.
What Is the Relationship Between Barrett’s Esophagus and GERD?
About 10-15% of adults who have chronic GERD will develop Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is more likely to develop if you have GERD symptoms for a long time. Other risk factors include being overweight, male, a cigarette smoker and older than 50.
Symptoms and Treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s Esophagus is often a silent disease. Some individuals may experience the following symptoms:
* Acid reflux and heartburn
* Chest pain
* Difficulty in swallowing
* Regurgitation
* The sensation of a lump on the throat
These symptoms are not always indicative of Barrett’s esophagus. They can occur with GERD.
The diagnosis of Barrett’s Esophagus is made by an endoscopy. This is a procedure where a flexible tube equipped with a camera, is inserted into the mouth.
Treatment options for Barrett’s Esophagus
Treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus aims to stop the progression of cancer. It may be necessary to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and losing weight. Medications such as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), that reduce stomach acid, can also be used to treat GERD symptoms.
Some individuals with Barrett’s Esophagus require aggressive treatments, such as endoscopic mucosal removal or radiofrequency ablation. These procedures can reduce the risk of esophageal carcinoma by removing abnormal cells.
If your doctor has diagnosed you with GERD and you want to reduce the risk of complications, such as Barrett’s esophagus, discuss with them how you can do this.
