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Barrett's Esophagus

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What is Barrett’s Esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus is a potentially serious difficulty of GERD. It’s is a condition wherein the esophagus is damaged by acid reflux, which causes the lining to thicken and become red. While it may not have a lot of evident indications, it does have warning signs that mirror GERD’s symptoms. Getting Barrett’s esophagus increases the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (cancer of the esophagus). The risk is small, but it is still something to take into account.


Causes and Risk Factors

The causes of Barrett’s esophagus aren’t not well-known, but the constant stomach acid and chemicals washing back to the esophagus does play a role in the condition.

Risk factors include:

  • Family history: Odds increase if your family has a history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.
  • Being male: Men are more likely to develop this condition than women.
  • Being white: Caucasian people have a greater risk of getting this disease than other races do.
  • Age: Anyone at any age can get Barrett’s esophagus, but the chances are higher after age 50.
  • Being overweight: The body fat around the abdomen increases the risk
  • Chronic heartburn and acid reflux
  • You are/were a smoker

How Is It Diagnosed?

Since there aren’t any evident symptoms, the only way to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus is by getting an upper endoscopy and biopsy. This procedure can be done by one of our Orlando GI doctors at the Endo-Surgical Center of Florida.

As for how the procedure goes, the GI doctor will first sedate you, then insert a long flexible tube with a camera attached to it (similar to the one for the colonoscopy) down your throat. The doctor can visually see the condition, but they still need to get a biopsy in order to diagnose it. This sample will also examine the presence of precancerous cells or cancer.


Treatment  

The main goal is to control the acid reflux in the body. To do so, there are lifestyle changes that the Orlando GI experts at the Digestive and Liver Center recommend like:

  • Eat healthier
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and tobacco
  • Lose weight
  • Don’t lie down 3 hours after eating
  • Take medicines with plenty of water
  • Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated


If you’re having continuous acid reflux, you should definitely schedule an appointment at the Digestive and Liver Center. Call us today at (407)384-7388.

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