General Overview
Barrett’s Esophagus is a serious condition in which the tissue lining of esophagus(tube that carries food from your mouth to stomach) becomes damage. This occurs due to chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Barrett’s esophagus increases the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma( It is a type of cancer that begins in glandular cells, which are cells that produce and secrete substances like hormones or mucus) though the risk remains low.
Causes of Barrett’s Esophagus:
the exact cause isn’t known
- Long-term exposure to stomach acid.
- Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Damage to the esophageal lining due to acid reflux.
- Abnormal changes in esophageal cells to resemble intestinal tissue.
Risk factors
The following factors may increase the risk of Barrett’s esophagus.
Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): In this condition the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This action damages the surrounding lining of the esophagus and thus the repetition of this act can cause it. According to an estimate between 10% and 15% of people with GERD get Barrett’s esophagus.
Obesity: Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, increases pressure on the stomach, which can promote acid reflux. This increased pressure forces stomach acid up into the esophagus more frequently.
Family History: The chances of suffering from Barrett’s esophagus are higher if anyone from your family had this condition before or esophageal cancer.
Age: Barrett’s esophagus can occur at any age but is more common in adults over 50.
Symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus:
- this condition itself rarely causes symptoms.
- Often linked to GERD symptoms:
- Persistent heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
- Regular checkups are essential for those with chronic GERD.
Preventing Barrett’s Esophagus:
- Control GERD symptoms to reduce risk.
- Lose weight if overweight.
- Avoid foods that trigger reflux.
- Quit smoking.
- Elevate the head during sleep.
- Avoid eating late at night.
- Medications to reduce stomach acid (e.g., proton pump inhibitors).
Diagnosis of Barrett’s Esophagus:
- Performed through an upper endoscopy.
- A flexible tube with a camera examines the esophagus.
- Tissue samples (biopsy) may be taken for analysis.
- Pathologists assess tissue for abnormal cell changes (dysplasia).
Treatment Options for Barrett’s Esophagus:
- Depends on severity and presence of dysplasia.
- For non-dysplastic Barrett’s Esophagus:
- Manage GERD symptoms with lifestyle changes and medications.
- Regular endoscopic surveillance.
- For Barrett’s Esophagus with dysplasia:
- Endoscopic therapies, such as radiofrequency ablation, to remove abnormal tissue.
- Surgery may be required in severe cases to remove the affected esophagus section.
Medications for Barrett’s Esophagus
Prescription medications to treat the cause of Barrett’s disease (acid reflux):
Disclaimer
This article is just for information purposes only don’t take it as a medical advice.
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