What Is Barrett's Esophagus?
Barrett esophagus is a disorder when the normal lining of the lower esophagus is substituted with the intestinal lining like tissue. This occurs following years of acids reflux (GERD). Although it is not cancer, the esophagus of Barrett predisposes her to esophageal cancer in the case of no medical intervention.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Long-term acid reflux or GERD
- Obesity, particularly excess abdominal fat
- Smoking or other tobacco use
- Family history of Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer
- Age over 50 years
- Male gender
- Caucasian ethnicity
Signs and Symptoms
- Often none in the early stages
- Persistent heartburn or chest burning
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
- Regurgitation of sour liquid or food
- Frequent throat clearing or chronic cough
- Sour or bitter taste in the back of the throat
How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses Barrett's Esophagus?
Dr. Chadha uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He examines your history of acid reflux, GERD, lifestyle, and risk including obesity, smoking and family history of esophagus disease.
Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy
Using a small, gummy endoscope, the unsuspected esophagus is inspected. Certain tiny tissues are removed to investigate the existence of Barrett changes with a microscope.
Esophageal pH Monitoring
Over 24 hours, a small probe is used to measure the amount of acid in your esophagus to measure the severity of the reflux and relate the symptoms to the exposure of the acid.
Esophageal Manometry
The test identifies the strength and ability of the esophagus muscles and lower esophageal sphincter functions.
Barium Swallow (if needed)
An X-ray examination depicting esophageal structure and motility, and assisting in excluded hiatal hernias or strictures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barrett's Esophagus?
Barrett Esophagus is a defect in which the normal boderation of the esophagus is substituted with intestinal-like cells. Dr. Rishi Chadha is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder in Houston.
What is the etiology of Esophagus?
Long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most frequent cause of it. Dr. Chadha rates flushing symptoms and prescribes tests in case you are at risk.
What do Barrett Esophagus symptoms look like?
Majority of the population does not have any other symptoms except GERD such as heartburns, regurgitation, and chest discomfort. Dr. Chadha could prescribe an endoscopy in case of persistent reflux.
Does Barrett have a type of cancer in his Esophagus?
No, yet it predisposes esophageal cancer. Dr. Chadha does frequent biopsies and endoscopic surveillance of its patients to observe them in a bid to identify any early changes.
What symptomatic way is Esophagus of Barrett diagnosed?
An upper endoscopy and biopsies are done by Dr. Chadha in the inntrusion of the diagnosis and an event of dysplasia or precancerous changes.
Is the Esophagus of Can Barrett reversible?
The harm cannot always be on the other hand; however, Dr. Chadha offers treatment in order to manage GERD, observe changes, and avoid the development of cancer.
What are treatment options?
Therapy involves proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), lifestyle modifications and endoscopic surgery in some instances such as radiofrequency ablation. Dr. Chadha develops a planning to your needs.
What should be the frequency of my check?
The frequency of the recommendation of endoscopy under surveillance by Dr. Chadha will depend on the risk factors that you have and will be done either after every 3-5 years or more sometimes with the finding of dysplasia.
What are the lifestyle modifications that may help?
Do not eat spicy foods, drink alcohol, take caffeine, and smoke. Take small food portions and do not go to bed once one is full. Dr. Chadha provides reflux control and diet advice.
What is the process of making an appointment with Dr. Chadha?
Reserve GastroDoxs in Houston or do it on line. Dr. Rishi Chadha is a skilled professional who treats Barrett with effective compassion regarding her Esophaggus and other digestive complications.