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Best Barrett's Esophagus Gastroenterologist
Trying to have chronic heartburn? Dr. GastroDoxs by Scott in Houston offers therapeutic intervention to Barrett Esophagus that is a precancerous changes your esophagus lining due to chronic reflux of acid. Seek potential diagnosis, new treatment and care to guard against your health and wellbeing.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is Barrett's Esophagus?
Barrett Esophagus This is a condition where the cells that line the lower esophagus have undergone a change in which case the chronic acid reflux or GERD causes them to resemble the intestinal cells. Unless there is good check or care, the tendency of acquiring esophageal cancer has been detected to be high in this change.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Long-term acid reflux (GERD)
History of GERD symptoms
Hiatal hernia
Age over 50 years
Male gender
White ethnicity
Overweight or obesity
Smoking
Signs and Symptoms
Often not until the early stages.
The persistent chest pain or heartburn.
Acidic fluid or food vomiting.
Eating (dysphagia) issues.
Throat: Lump sensation (globus).
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Barrett's Esophagus
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He begins by investigating your symptoms, such as frequent heartburn or regurgitation, or soreness of the throat, and your lifestyle, smoking history, and any past acid reflux medication.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
Dr. Scott is an extremely small, slender and agile camera which is used to thoroughly examine the mucosal lining of your stomach and esophagus to determine any evidence of the Barretts Esophagus that may be observable such as a difference in color or texture.
Biopsy
Small tissue samples are taken in case of any suspicious areas where the endoscopy has been performed in order to be subjected to a microscope in order to determine whether or not there is intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia.
pH Monitoring
Quantitative measurement of the degree and duration of exposure to acid in the lower esophagus by ambulatory 24-hour PH testing is used to prove the role of chronic reflux.
Esophageal Manometry
The test is indicated to determine the strength and co-ordination of the contractions of esophageal muscles towards the purpose of eliminating any motility disorders which accompany and/or mimic the motions of reflux.
Additional Imaging (if needed)
GI barium series upper to rule out hiatal hernia or esophagus constriction.
CT scan as scarce instances of study of neighboring structures in case of suspicion of advanced sickness.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for Barrett's Esophagus.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat small portions more often to reduce reflux.
Spicy, fatty, or very acidic foods should be avoided as they cause serious symptoms.
Lose (where necessary) in order to reduce abdominal pressure.
Do not go to sleep immediately after eating.
Raise the pillows on your mattress to prevent night reflux.
Quit smoking, do not drink too much alcohol to save your esophagus.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cause of Barrett having Esophagus?
It is usually an outcome of several years of constant acid reflux or GERD that alters the esophagus lining.
Is Barrett experiencing an endangered Esophagus?
It is not a cancer and it puts at risk of having cancer of the esophagus in the event that it is not managed or controlled.
What will be the ICD-10 code of the Esophagus of Barrett?
The most commonly used code is 22.70 with reference to Barretts Esophagus without dysplasia.
How is treatment chosen?
The program that is created by Dr. Scott is based on the extent of changes of your cells in your biopsy and the overall symptoms.
What will be the frequency of the endoscopy?
Most patients have surveillance endoscopy after every few years in which the frequency will depend on the outcome of the biopsy and also on risk factors of cancer.
Does a home remedy turn back the Esophagus of a patient as in the case of Barrett?
No. Even though the lifestyle and dietary interventions may be used to enhance the symptoms and subject the cells to less acid, it cannot be used to undo the changes in the cells.
Is Barrett hereditary Esophagus?
Genetics plays an insignificant role but causes the development of Barrett Esophagus in the case of the patient is the long-term acid reflux.
