What is Barrett’s esophagus?
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which your esophagus — the tube that transports food from your mouth to your stomach — develops an unhealthy inner lining.
Usually, your esophageal lining is a pearly white color, squamous mucosa. Acid and bile turn the esophageal lining into a thicker pink or red intestinal-type mucosa.
Barrett’s esophagus can be a serious condition because these changes in your esophagus increase your risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer.
What are the symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus usually occurs in gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) sufferers. Common symptoms include chronic problems such as:
- Heartburn
- Dysphagia - swallowing difficulties
- Regurgitation
- Chest pain (less common)
However, many with Barrett’s esophagus don’t experience any GERD symptoms. It’s important to discuss your risk factors with your Advanced GI LLC gastroenterologist to determine whether you need Barrett’s esophagus screening.
What are the risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus?
Risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus include:
- Family history of either Barrett’s or esophageal cancer
- Being male
- Caucasian race
- Age over 50
- Treatment-resistant GERD
- Smoking
- High body fat
You can control some of these factors with your doctor’s help. This can significantly lessen the chances of Barrett’s esophagus and reduce your risk of esophageal cancer.
How is Barrett’s esophagus diagnosed?
Your Advanced GI LLC gastroenterologist performs an endoscopy — a test in which they examine your esophagus using a thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera — to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus. Endoscopy is an outpatient test that allows for a quick return to normal activities.
How is Barrett’s esophagus treated?
Advanced GI LLC offers the most advanced evidence-based treatments for Barrett’s esophagus. Radiofrequency ablation is a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment that your gastroenterologist can perform on an outpatient basis.
In radiofrequency ablation, your doctor places a catheter into your mouth and down to your esophagus. The catheter contains a tiny balloon equipped with electrodes.
Your doctor inflates the balloon and activates the electrodes to destroy the damaged esophageal tissue. This leaves your healthy tissue underlayers exposed to restore a healthy esophageal lining.
Need livable solutions for GERD or Barrett’s esophagus? Contact Advanced GI LLC specialists to learn how they can help with non-surgical treatment. Book your appointment online or call the office today.
