Patient education: Barrett's esophagus (The Basics)

What is Barrett's esophagus? — This is a condition that affects the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (figure 1). When a person has Barrett's esophagus, the normal cells in the lower part of their esophagus are replaced by a different type of cell.

Barrett's esophagus is usually caused by acid reflux. Acid reflux is when the acid that is normally in the stomach backs up into the esophagus. Many people with acid reflux never get Barrett's esophagus, but some do.

If you have had acid reflux for a long time, it's important to know if you also have Barrett's esophagus. That's because Barrett's esophagus can later turn into pre-cancer or cancer of the esophagus.

What are the symptoms of Barrett's esophagus? — Barrett's esophagus does not cause any symptoms. But people usually have symptoms from their acid reflux, such as:

●Burning in the chest, known as heartburn

●Burning in the throat, or an acid taste in the throat

●Vomiting after eating

●Trouble swallowing

Is there a test for Barrett's esophagus? — Yes. Your doctor can do a test called an upper endoscopy. Your doctor might do this if you have had acid reflux for more than 5 years.

During an upper endoscopy, a doctor puts a thin tube with a camera and light on the end into your mouth and down into your esophagus (figure 2). They look at the lining of your esophagus and take a small sample of it. Another doctor looks at the cells under a microscope to see if you have Barrett's esophagus.

How is Barrett's esophagus treated? — Treatment involves reducing or getting rid of a person's acid reflux. This does not usually cure Barrett's esophagus, but it keeps it from getting worse.

Your doctor will likely give you medicines to stop your stomach from making acid. They might also recommend that you:

●Avoid foods that can trigger symptoms, such as lots of caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, and fatty foods. These foods can make acid reflux worse for some people.

●Avoid eating right before going to bed.

●Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches (for example, by putting wood blocks under 2 legs of the bed).

●Lose weight (if you have excess body weight).

Should I follow up with my doctor? — Yes. If you have Barrett's esophagus, follow up with your doctor. They will keep checking that your Barrett's esophagus does not turn into pre-cancer or cancer.

What if my Barrett's esophagus turns into pre-cancer or cancer? — Your doctor will talk with you about different ways to treat it.

More on this topic

Patient education: Acid reflux and GERD in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Esophageal cancer (The Basics)
Patient education: Upper endoscopy (The Basics)

Patient education: Barrett's esophagus (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Upper endoscopy (Beyond the Basics)