Some people with long-term acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, develop Barrett’s esophagus. While Barrett’s esophagus is sometimes referred to as “silent reflux,” the condition does increase your risk of developing cancer, despite the fact that it rarely manifests itself by itself.

Our gastroenterologists at Franciscan Health are experts at diagnosing Barrett’s esophagus. We assist you in managing the condition to prevent its worsening.

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Highlights: Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus can develop as a complication of acid reflux. The repeated exposure to stomach acid damages the esophagus’s lining over time. These changes can increase your risk of esophageal cancer.
Typically, a biopsy reveals whether you have this precancerous condition.
The best way to prevent Barrett’s esophagus is to avoid acid reflux.

How Does Barrett’s Esophagus Work?

Barrett’s esophagus occurs when the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged from repeated exposure to stomach acid due to reflux. Over time, this damage causes the esophagus lining to thicken and turn red.

Ahmed Akhter, MD, a Crown Point gastroenterologist with Franciscan Physician Network, stated, “The cells in the esophagus lining adapt to survive repeated stomach acid exposure.” Consider it like the esophagus trying to defend itself. However, these modifications may raise cancer risk.

Barrett’s esophagus does not present with symptoms on its own. Instead, many people with the condition experience GERD-related symptoms, such as:

A persistent cough
Chest pain
Frequent regurgitation, also known as food returning to the throat Heartburn
Hoarseness
Nausea
Difficulty swallowing or discomfort swallowing

Who Is Likely to Develop Barrett’s Esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus does not always occur in people with GERD. However, some things can make your risk go up. These are some:

Having a family history of esophageal cancer
Barrett’s esophagus Having GERD for more than five years
Being obese or overweight
Smoking
Your age, with a 50-year risk increase
Your gender (men are more likely than women to develop Barrett’s esophagus)

Don’t ignore heartburn and acid reflux if you’ve suffered from them for a long time, Dr. What Akhter said To find out if you have Barrett’s esophagus, it’s important to see a doctor. Early detection of these changes in the esophagus lining can aid in the prevention of cancer and provide treatment options.

How is Barrett’s Esophagus Identified?

Your doctor will usually perform an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy to determine if you have Barrett’s esophagus. An endoscopy looks at the esophagus for signs of changing tissue using a thin tube and a camera. During the procedure, your doctor will remove tissue from the esophagus for testing, called a biopsy.

Your doctor may use a capsule test to look for signs of Barrett’s esophagus in some cases. A pill containing a sponge that expands in the esophagus is taken during this less invasive procedure than a traditional endoscopy. The pill is attached to a string. The sponge removes cells from the esophageal lining as the doctor pulls the string up and out of the throat.

Treatment and Observation of Symptoms

Beyond GERD management, not everyone with Barrett’s esophagus requires immediate treatment. Treatment options can include the following, depending on the severity of your condition:

Changes in your lifestyle and medications: You might have to stay away from things like alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and spicy foods. Medications, like a proton pump inhibitor, reduce the amount of stomach acid in the body by blocking the proton pumps that produce it.
Regular monitoring: Your doctor may recommend follow-up endoscopies to check the esophageal tissue for abnormal or precancerous cells.
Advanced treatment: If you have precancerous cells, an endoscopic ablation, which can remove or destroy abnormal tissue, may be necessary. (Learn about Nissen Fundoplication surgery, a common, minimally invasive procedure to treat acid reflux.)

How to Keep Your Esophagus Safe

The best way to lower your risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus — or to manage the condition if you have it — is to avoid acid reflux. Reflux can be prevented in four ways:

Avoid smoking.
Avoid lying down for three hours after eating and eat smaller meals.
Avoid high-fat foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Maintain or reach a healthy weight.

Barrett’s esophagus and other conditions like cancer can be avoided by protecting your esophagus more, according to Dr. What Akhter said.

Services in gastroenterology at Franciscan Health

Our gastroenterologists can assist you if you have frequent acid reflux or risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus. They are adept at identifying and treating both straightforward and more intricate digestive tract conditions. In order to support your long-term digestive health and prevent complications, our gastroenterology specialists will collaborate with you.