Barrett's Esophagus is a condition in which the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced by tissue similar to the intestinal lining. This change occurs after years of damage from stomach acid due to chronic acid reflux or GERD. While many people have no symptoms, untreated Barrett's Esophagus can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Early on, Barrett's Esophagus may not cause any noticeable signs. When symptoms do appear, they often mirror severe or long-standing acid reflux and may include:
The primary driver of Barrett's Esophagus is chronic exposure of the esophageal lining to stomach acid. Additional risk factors that can contribute include:
Barrett's Esophagus sounds serious-but you can manage it. Call GastroDoxs in Cypress or book online today. Let's protect your health-together.
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Intestinal metaplasia occurs when the normal lining cells of your esophagus change to resemble the cells that line your intestines. This transformation is a response to chronic acid exposure and is the hallmark of Barrett's Esophagus.
No, Barrett's Esophagus itself is not cancer. However, because the cell changes can progress toward dysplasia and eventually esophageal cancer if left untreated, regular monitoring and treatment are essential.
Many people have no symptoms early on. When they do occur, symptoms often include persistent heartburn, acid or food regurgitation, chest discomfort or tightness after eating, and difficulty swallowing.
Barrett's Esophagus affects about 1-2 out of every 100 people, particularly those with a history of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Diagnosis is made via upper endoscopy (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) to inspect the esophagus, combined with a biopsy, where small tissue samples are examined for cellular changes.
The diet guide offers practical tips and meal ideas to reduce acid reflux, lists safe and trigger foods, and provides portion and timing recommendations to help protect your esophagus.
Although the condition itself may not be completely reversible, treatments like acid-suppressing medications and endoscopic therapies can halt progression, heal damaged areas, and control symptoms.
With effective treatment-such as proton pump inhibitors and endoscopic ablation-some patients may see regression of abnormal cells. Ongoing surveillance is still necessary even if improvement occurs.
Dysplasia refers to precancerous changes in the esophageal lining cells. Identifying low- or high-grade dysplasia early allows for targeted therapies, reducing the risk of progression to cancer.
Long-term management includes daily acid-suppressing medication, lifestyle and dietary modifications, and periodic endoscopic surveillance (typically every 2-3 years, or more frequently if dysplasia is present).
