Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus changes due to prolonged exposure to stomach acid. This process results in intestinal metaplasia, during which healthy esophageal tissue changes to resemble the lining of the small intestine. Barrett’s esophagus is considered to be a precancerous condition, and having it increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer. If you have GERD or acid reflux, you have a higher chance of developing Barrett’s esophagus.

Symptoms

This condition does not have any identifiable symptoms and thus once you are diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus regular gastrointestinal checkups are crucial for diagnosis and management.

The following tests are used to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus and to evaluate for possible progression to cancer:

• Upper Endoscopy (EGD): A small, flexible tube with a camera is passed into the esophagus, stomach and the first part of small intestine. Damage to the lining of these structures can be evaluated; A small sample of tissue (biopsy) is taken.

Treatment

First line of treatment of Barrett’s esophagus is associated with managing the conditions that cause it, namely acid reflux and GERD. These include:

• Adhering to anti-reflux diet, especially limiting consumption of alcohol, caffeine, acidic foods
• Quitting smoking
• Drinking enough water
• Use of antacid drugs such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

If the condition progresses further treatments are available to ablate precancerous changes.

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