Barrett’s Esophagus: Understanding Digestive System Diseases

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Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that can develop over time. Although it is not serious, it is important to know the causes and symptoms. Follow the main information on the subject.

What is Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus begins with esophagitis, which is the inflammation of the lower portion of the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

This esophagitis causes heartburn, which is a burning pain or heat in the chest, usually near the lower part of the sternum (bone at the front of the chest). Over time, reflux esophagitis can cause changes in the cells lining the esophagus, leading to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus.

What are the main symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus does not have specific symptoms.

However, advanced cases of Barrett’s esophagus can develop esophageal cancer. The main symptoms, under these circumstances, are:

• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia);
• weight loss;
• food impaction (food gets stuck in the esophagus).

The causes of Barrett’s Esophagus

The main causes of Barrett’s esophagus involve the persistence of gastric reflux, which rises to the esophagus and can cause changes in the mucosa.

In this sense, it is important to note whether episodes of reflux occur specifically at times when they are considered normal (after eating too much, after bending over after a meal, or when lying down immediately after consuming food/liquids) or if they begin to manifest more frequently throughout the day.

Treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus

The main goal of treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus is to mitigate reflux and ensure that the inner lining of the esophagus does not become cancerous. The main actions to treat Barrett’s esophagus include:

• prescription of antacids;
• performing endoscopic exams to ensure there are no potentially cancerous changes in the esophagus;
• medications that help reduce stomach acid;
• other treatments that relieve reflux symptoms.

After medical follow-up with endoscopic exams, if abnormal tissue is present, such alteration will have to be removed. Some options for procedures are:

• removal by cutting the abnormal tissue, which can be done through an endoscope and tiny tools;
• laser removal, also applied via endoscope;
• surgery to remove esophageal cancer, if the tissue is already cancerous or severely abnormal.

How should the diet be?

To prevent or avoid worsening gastric reflux, the patient can follow some dietary and habit guidelines. They are:

• not consuming a large amount of food at once;
• not consuming alcohol excessively;
• not smoking;
• combating overweight;
• using looser clothing that does not tighten around the waist;
• avoid lying down, bending over, or stooping after meals;
• avoid physical exercise immediately after meals.

Follow all the information about Barrett’s Esophagus on EndoBlog

It is important to access the main information about Barrett’s esophagus and other conditions that can affect the digestive system. Therefore, continue following EndoBlog, a portal created by health professionals who are concerned with providing patients with relevant, safe, and free information.

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Also read: Upper Digestive Endoscopy | Intragastric Balloon | What is Dysphagia?