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:
With a focus on patient centered Barrett's Esophagus care and comprehensive esophageal health solutions, GastroDoxs in Jersey Village offers expert diagnostics, advanced endoscopic treatments, and personalized management plans. Our compassionate team is dedicated to stopping acid damage, reversing early changes, and delivering long-term relief so you can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable life. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward protecting your esophagus.
We've successfully treated more than 4.3K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Barrett's Esophagus is a condition in which chronic acid reflux or GERD causes the normal lining of the esophagus to become damaged and replaced with tissue similar to the intestinal lining.
The primary cause is long-term acid reflux (GERD). Over time, stomach acid repeatedly irritates the esophageal lining and leads to cellular changes.
Short segment Barrett's Esophagus refers to the involvement of less than 3 centimeters of the lower esophagus lining, often with milder symptoms.
In early stages, treatment with medications, lifestyle changes, and endoscopic procedures can stop progression and may even reverse some damage.
The ICD-10 codes are K22.70 for Barrett's Esophagus without dysplasia and K22.71 for Barrett's Esophagus with dysplasia.
Avoid spicy, acidic, and fatty foods as well as caffeine, chocolate, and citrus, since these can worsen acid reflux and esophageal irritation.
Effective treatments include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), lifestyle modifications, and endoscopic procedures such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).
Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) are the first-line therapy to reduce stomach acid and promote healing of the esophageal lining.
If no dysplasia is detected, endoscopic surveillance is typically recommended every 3-5 years. If dysplasia is present, more frequent follow-up may be needed.
GastroDoxs in Jersey Village offers experienced physicians, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalized treatment plans for Barrett's Esophagus.
