Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus—the hollow, muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach—is replaced with tissue normally found in the intestine. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed that chronic acid exposure from reflux is the primary trigger for Barrett’s esophagus.
Reflux is a backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus when the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve that should keep stomach contents in the stomach) relaxes inappropriately. Chronic reflux can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus, leading to the development of Barrett’s esophagus.
Factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus include male gender, being over 50 years old, obesity or being overweight, consuming a high-fat diet, smoking, and having a hiatal hernia (when a portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity).
It is also more common in white people and those of Jewish ancestry.
People with Barrett’s esophagus may not experience any symptoms; however, some may experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
It is important to note that Barrett’s esophagus does not always lead to symptoms and is only picked up through screening tests or examining tissue biopsy samples.
In summary, the exact causes of Barrett’s esophagus are unknown. However, it is believed that chronic acid exposure from GERD plays a role in the development of the condition. Factors such as age, gender, obesity, diet, smoking, having a hiatal hernia, and certain ethnic backgrounds may contribute to an increased risk for the condition.
How do you calm Barrett’s esophagus?
The goal of Barrett’s esophagus treatment is to reduce your risk of complications such as dysplasia and esophageal cancer. There are three main ways to treat Barrett’s esophagus: medication, endoscopic surveillance, and ablation.
Medication is most commonly used to treat Barrett’s esophagus. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, which can help reduce irritation of the esophageal lining. Other medications to reduce acid production are H2 blockers.
Endoscopic surveillance is also used to monitor Barrett’s esophagus. During endoscopic surveillance, a small camera is passed down the throat and images of the esophagus are taken. This allows your doctor to detect any changes in the tissue that could be precancerous or cancerous.
Ablation is used to treat dysplasia or precancerous cells in the Barrett’s esophagus. During ablation, heat, cold, or electricity is applied to the affected area in order to destroy the cells.
In addition to medication, endoscopic surveillance, and ablation, lifestyle changes can help calm Barrett’s esophagus. Avoiding triggers such as certain foods (spicy foods, fried foods, etc. ), alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine can help reduce irritation of the esophageal lining.
Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding lying down after eating can also help. Taking weak acid blockers, probiotics, and digestive enzymes can also help reduce irritation of the esophageal lining.
How often should you have an endoscopy if you have Barrett’s esophagus?
It is recommended that patients with Barrett’s esophagus have an endoscopy every three to five years. This is because Barrett’s esophagus is a precancerous condition and early detection is important.
Additionally, endoscopies can help your doctor gain a better understanding of the extent of the damage to your esophagus. During an endoscopy, your doctor may also take biopsies to provide a clearer picture of your condition.
It is important to talk to your doctor to understand the best routine for you and your condition.
Does Barrett’s always progress?
No, Barrett’s esophagus (BE) does not always progress. In some cases, BE may remain stable or regress over time. However, the majority of people with BE develop glandular abnormalities called dysplasia, resulting in a greater risk of developing esophageal cancer.
It is important for individuals with a diagnosis of BE to have regular endoscopic surveillance exams to monitor for any signs of progression.
Various therapies can be used to reduce the risk of progression. These include lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, smoking cessation, and avoiding alcohol and other trigger foods; medications such as proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists; and endoscopic treatments such as radiofrequency ablation and stenting.
Ultimately, the best way to reduce the progression of BE is to seek regular medical care, adhere to prescribed treatments and make the necessary lifestyle changes. This approach can help to ensure that progression is slowed or stopped, and can help prevent the development of esophageal cancer.
Should I worry if I have Barrett’s esophagus?
Yes, you should be concerned if you have been diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus is damaged and replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine.
This causes inflammation and makes a person more susceptible to developing esophageal cancer. If you have Barrett’s esophagus, it is important to monitor your health closely. Your doctor will likely recommend that you have regular endoscopies to check for any changes in the lining of the esophagus.
It’s also important to take steps to reduce your risk of developing esophageal cancer. These include quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and eating a healthy diet. By taking these steps and getting regular check-ups, you may be able to reduce your risk of esophageal cancer.
Can you live a full life with Barrett’s esophagus?
It is possible to live a full life with Barrett’s esophagus, though it is important to take extra steps to manage symptoms and find ways to prevent the condition and its associated risks from progressing.
It is important to work closely with your doctor to get regular screening tests and treatments to keep the esophagus healthy and functioning normally. In addition, making lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms and reduce the risk of further damage to the esophagus can be beneficial.
These lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding late night meals and snacks, and avoiding foods that trigger or worsen heartburn or indigestion.
In some cases, medications can also be used to treat and prevent symptoms that may be associated with Barrett’s esophagus, including acid reflux medications and medications to reduce inflammation. With early detection and appropriate lifestyle and medical management, people with Barrett’s esophagus can achieve a good quality of life.
How fast does Barrett’s develop?
Barrett’s esophagus is a disorder in which the lining of the esophagus, or the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach, is replaced by tissue that’s similar to the lining of the intestine. It’s usually caused by chronic acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The exact speed at which Barrett’s develops is unknown, but it often takes several years to progress from reflux to Barrett’s. In general, it appears that the longer and more frequent acid reflux occurs, the more likely it is that someone will develop Barrett’s.
Studies suggest that Barrett’s often takes weeks, months, or even years to develop. In one study, about half of the patients who had frequent and severe acid reflux developed Barrett’s within 5 to 9 years of the diagnosis.
Another study found that the average time it took for a patient to develop Barrett’s after their diagnosis with GERD was seven years.
There are also some risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing Barrett’s. People who are overweight, have a hiatal hernia, have been diagnosed with asthma or have been prescribed high-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be at an increased risk of developing esophageal mucosal changes which can lead to Barrett’s.
Overall, it appears that there is no definite timeline for the development of Barrett’s and that the exact speed can vary from person to person. In most cases, it takes several years for Barrett’s to develop after a diagnosis of GERD, but the presence of certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of the development of Barrett’s.