Barrett’s esophagus is a medical condition of the esophagus with chronic complications involving gastro-esophageal disease (GERD). It is also a condition wherein the lining of the esophagus changes in color because it has been damaged by too much stomach acids. The esophagus is the muscular tube which carries food to the stomach. It has a valve called the esophageal sphincter which is located between the stomach and the esophagus and its main function is to prevent acids from the stomach to flow back to the esophagus. If the sphincter malfunctions and is weakened, then the reflux of acidic fluid from the stomach to the esophagus causes GERD and this in turn causes Barrett’s esophagus.

There are no exact symptoms for Barrett’s esophagus. Its symptoms are usually based on symptoms which are very similar to that of GERD like heartburn, nausea and coughs. Others may have no similar symptoms at all. Heartburn as one of the symptoms is described as a painful burning sensation located somewhere between the pit of the stomach and breastbone. Another symptom is the refluxed fluid which may enter the lungs or the voice box (larynx) and causes GERD symptoms like coughing, sore throats, hoarseness and bronchitis.

Those who get infected with Barrett’s esophagus are usually Caucasian men aged 40 years old and above. This does not affect children and very seldom infects women. Doctors recommend that men and other adults who have GERD symptoms and who are likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus should undergo complete medical checkup.

The risk for the Barrett’s esophagus disease to develop into cancer is very low – less than 1% out of those with this disease. However, doctors recommend that those who are likely to have it because of the GERD – like symptoms have to under endoscopy and biopsies as some preventive measures. Endoscopy is used to treat Barrett’s esophagus that may have developed into cancer or dysplasia. This involves the cutting or taking out of the lining of the esophagus which has been infected. This treatment would result to new esophageal tissues to replace the damaged lining. For a more severe case, surgical removal of the esophagus is done to prevent spread of cancer. Since most adults who have Barrett’s esophagus also have other age-related illness, other treatments are considered like less-invasive endoscopic procedures and medications to provide relief. Other non-surgical treatments include thermal therapy, balloon catheter, liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide cryotherapy.

Since GERD leads to Barrett’s esophagus disease, doctors try to cure the GERD symptoms first. If they are successful in treating GERD, then there is a decrease in developing Barrett’s disease. Medications with acid-reducing drugs are usually prescribed to lessen the risk of this disease. If you have been experiencing heartburn or acid reflux for a long time, it is better to consult the doctor and know about possible risks of you developing Barrett’s esophagus. If you also have difficulty in swallowing foods, vomiting blood, having frequent chest pains and eliminating black or bloody stools, seek immediate medical care from your doctor.

Kyle Oliart

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