Barrett`s esophagus is a complication of the gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). In Barrett`s esophagus, the tube that conveys food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach changes to a tissue that resembles the lining of the intestine. Barrett`s esophagus does not have any specific symptoms but the patients show symptoms related to GERD (Tilanus & Attwood, 2001). People that have this disease are at a higher risk of getting cancer termed as esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Causes
The exact cause of Barrett`s esophagus is not known but gastro esophageal reflux disease poses as a risk factor for this condition. The refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus causing heartburn. It also damages the cells found in the esophagus. The heartburn causes indigestion. Between 5 to 10 percent of people suffering from GERD develop the Barrett`s esophagus.
People suffering from obesity are at a risk of getting Barrett`s esophagus. Smoking is another factor that leads to the disease. Other studies indicate that inherited genes play a role.
Treatment
The treatment of options includes endoscopic ablative therapies, medication, surgery and endoscopic mucosal resection. The medications used include use of acid-suppressing drugs. The drugs prevent further damage to the esophagus. Surgery is an alternative option to treat Barrett`s esophagus through a process called esophagectomy. Dietary changes help to lower the risk of a person getting the Barrett`s esophagus. High intake of vegetables, vitamins and fruits helps in preventing the disease (Bendich & Decklebaum, 2005). For the obese people, losing the excess weight lowers the risk of getting the disease. the endoscopic mucosal resection entails the lifting of the Barrett`s lining, injecting a solution and cutting off the lining. The radiologist performs the procedure on the patient.
References
Bendich, A., & Deckelbaum, R. J. (2005). Preventive nutrition: The comprehensive guide for health professionals. Totowa, N.J: Humana Press.
Tilanus, H. W., & Attwood, S. E. A. (2001). Barrett's esophagus. Dordrecht: Kluwe r Academic.
