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Barrett's Esophagus: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Barrett’s esophagus is a gastrointestinal (GI) condition that occurs commonly in patients who have had long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or who developed GERD symptoms at a young age. Thought to be caused by chronic inflammation associated with GERD, Barrett’s esophagus leads to a change in the esophageal tissue, which is normally smooth and pink. People who have Barrett’s esophagus are at an increased risk for esophageal cancer.

Many digestive health problems can be managed by your primary care provider. Find a provider accepting new patients. If necessary, he or she can refer you to one of our board-certified gastroenterologists.

man suffering from nausea

Barrett’s Esophagus Symptoms

Barrett’s esophagus may have no symptoms. So, if you experience symptoms of GERD, you should discuss your risk for Barrett’s esophagus with your doctor. GERD develops when stomach acid regularly enters the esophagus. Symptoms include:

  • Bad breath
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain and burning in the middle of the chest or abdomen

Barrett’s Esophagus Diagnosis

In addition to having GERD, you may be more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus if you are obese, have a family history of the disease, are age 50 or older, and/or have a history of smoking. If you have any of these risk factors, your doctor may want to perform two common procedures to check for Barrett’s esophagus: an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and a biopsy.

During an upper GI endoscopy, a physician uses a flexible tube equipped with a light and camera to look inside your mouth, esophagus and stomach for changes associated with Barrett’s esophagus. During the procedure, small pieces of tissue are taken from the lining of your esophagus. This is called a biopsy. These tissue samples are viewed under a microscope to check for the cell changes that can indicate Barrett’s esophagus.

Barrett’s Esophagus Treatment

Although 90% of people with Barrett’s esophagus will never get esophageal cancer, the condition still increases your risk, which is why it’s important to seek treatment.

Your physician may prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are used to treat the symptoms of GERD and can stop further damage to your esophagus. Treating Barrett’s esophagus also involves periodic endoscopies and biopsies to monitor changes in the cells of your esophagus for dysplasia, a condition that develops before cancer.</p