Barrett Esophagus is a disease whereby normal lining of the esophagus becomes substituted with the intestinal like tissue. The change is an outcome of the years-long damage to the stomach caused by stomach acid as a result of chronic acid reflux disease or GERD. Although most individuals have no symptoms, untreated Barrett Esophagus may predispose an individual to esophagial 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:
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Intestinal metaplasia is a condition where the normal lining cells of your esophagus transform into cells that resemble those lining the intestines. This change typically occurs due to prolonged acid exposure and is a hallmark of Barrett’s Esophagus.
No, Barrett’s Esophagus is not cancer. However, the cell changes involved can progress to dysplasia and potentially lead to esophageal cancer if left untreated, which is why regular monitoring and treatment are essential.
Many people with Barrett’s Esophagus experience no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include chronic heartburn, acid or food regurgitation, chest pain or tightness after eating, and difficulty swallowing.
Barrett’s Esophagus affects about 1–2 out of every 100 people, particularly those with a long-standing history of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Diagnosis is made via upper endoscopy—a procedure using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to visualize the esophagus—along with biopsy, where small tissue samples are analyzed under a microscope.
The guide offers practical advice, meal plans, and tips on minimizing acid reflux. It identifies foods to avoid and those that are safe, portion control strategies, and eating frequency to help protect the esophagus lining.
While Barrett’s Esophagus itself is not always reversible, acid-suppressing medications and endoscopic therapies can prevent progression, improve symptoms, and allow healing of the esophageal lining.
In some cases, treatment with proton pump inhibitors or endoscopic ablation can cause regression of abnormal cells. However, ongoing monitoring remains necessary even if improvements are seen.
Dysplasia refers to precancerous changes in the esophageal lining cells. Early identification of low-grade or high-grade dysplasia allows for targeted treatment to reduce the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Long-term management includes daily acid suppression medication, lifestyle and dietary changes, and regular endoscopic surveillance—typically 2–3 times per year or more frequently if dysplasia is present.
