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Barrett's Esophagus
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
This group contains additional names: - Barretts esophagus with dysplasia
Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a disorder in which the lining of the esophagus is damaged by stomach acid. When you eat, food passes from your throat to your stomach through the esophagus. A ring of muscle fibers in the lower esophagus keeps stomach contents from moving backward. If these muscles do not close tightly, harsh stomach acid can leak up, into the esophagus. This is called reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). It may cause tissue damage over time, and Barrett’s esophagus. People with BE have an increased risk for cancer in the area involved. However, cancer is not common.
212 people with Barrett's Esophagus are on Alike.
BE itself does not cause symptoms. The acid reflux that causes BE often leads to symptoms of heartburn. Many people with this condition do not have any symptoms.
Your doctor will perform a test called upper endoscopy (gastroscopy) in order to reach a diagnosis. Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using a flexible tube that has a small camera and light on the end of it. During the exam, the doctor may take tissue samples (biopsies) from different parts of the esophagus. These samples help detect the condition.
BE is usually treated by reducing the acid levels in the esophagus. It does not cure the disease but prevents it from getting worse. Your doctor will prescribe medication that reduces stomach acidity, and recommend lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine consumption, sleeping with your head raised, and avoid eating before going to sleep.
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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Yes, but it would not be something like a stabbing or cramping pain, if that is what you are experiencing. That would likely be something else It would be a burning pain that could feel like it’s in your chest, stomach, or throat and may be worse after eating or when lying down. (If you know that already, then sorry for overexplaining). If you are experiencing heartburn every day, that is clinically considered to be severe, as well. I have had severe GERD for the last 14 years, and at a similar age already have **Barrett’s**, though that would be very rare at this age so I don’t want to worry you about that.
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