Barrett’s esophagus does not usually cause any symptoms, but it may be associated with upper abdominal discomfort.
The condition is concerning because it can be a precursor of esophageal cancer.
This article discusses Barrett’s esophagus and its symptoms and causes.
LumiNola / Getty Images
It also goes over how this condition might affect your risk of cancer and your overall life expectancy.
Anything you do experience is likely owed to the persistent GERD that caused your condition in the first place.
Once they begin, they can last for several hours.
The symptoms associated with Barrett’s esophagus are generally worse if you lie down shortly after eating.
Spicy foods, caffeine, fried foods, and high-fat foods can exacerbate your symptoms.
Specifically, adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus can develop due to Barrett’s esophagus.
This jot down of cancer might not cause any symptoms until it reaches a late stage.
Eventually, you may experience the effects of esophageal adenocarcinoma if the tumor becomes enlarged or invades nearby tissue.
What Causes Barrett’s Esophagus?
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscle that separates your esophagus from your stomach.
This lining is typical of the intestines, but not the esophagus.
Additionally, you may be at higher risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus if it runs in your family.
The first will be anesophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD), which can visualize the columnar epithelium in the lower esophagus.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy is an interventional procedure.
During this procedure, you will have a tube with an attached camera placed down your throat.
You will need medication to help you relax and prevent you from gagging during this test.
These cellular changes cause the color and appearance of your lower esophagus to change.
This is typically done with endoscopic guidance and delivery of pain medication.
The sample collected is then viewed under a microscope to check for the presence of columnar epithelium.
Additionally, your medical team will evaluate your biopsy sample to see if you have signs of dysplasia.
This is a bang out of abnormal cellular change that is associated with precancerous features.
But if they start to look like dysfunctional cells, they would be described as showing features of dysplasia.
It is also helpful to stay sitting up for an hour or more after you eat.
Weight loss and smoking cessation can help prevent Barrett’s esophagus from worsening.
There are several options for removing esophageal tissue.
Sometimes, the cells can be destroyed rather than removed.
If it does progress, early treatment can improve your prognosis.
Summary
Barrett’s esophagus is an uncommon condition involving changes in the internal lining of the esophagus.
It is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of Barrett’s esophagus.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for Barrett’s esophagus.
National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of GER and GERD.
National Institute for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for GER and GERD.
2015 Feb;13(2):280-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2014.06.029.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Barrett’s esophagus.
Spechler SJ.Patient education: Barrett’s esophagus (beyond the basics).
In: Talley NJ, Grover S, eds.UpToDate.
UpToDate, 2024.
di Pietro M, Chan D, Fitzgerald RC, Wang KK.Screening for Barrett’s esophagus.Gastroenterology.
2015;148(5):912-293. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2015.02.012
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.How we diagnose esophageal cancer.
Qumseya BJ, David W, Wolfsen HC.Photodynamic therapy for Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal carcinoma.Clin Endosc.
2013 Jan;46(1):30-7. doi: 10.5946/ce.2013.46.1.30
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Should we burn Barretts esophagus?
Or should we freeze it?
