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What is Barrett's Esophagus? |
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Written by Amanda Wattson, MD
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Monday, 05 October 2009 |
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus is replaced by abnormal cells. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous condition.
What is going on in the body?
The esophagus is connected to the stomach by the esophageal sphincter. This is a muscular ring. Normally, this muscle performs two major functions. It opens to allow food to pass into the stomach. It also closes to keep the contents of the stomach from splashing back up into the esophagus.
If this sphincter weakens or relaxes, the contents of the stomach splash back up into the esophagus. This splashing is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The lining of the esophagus is not made for this kind of abuse. After being exposed to stomach acid over a long period of time, the lining of the esophagus changes. This change in the lining of the lower esophagus is called Barrett's esophagus.
Sometimes the damaged cells lining the esophagus cause narrowing of the opening. This narrowing of the esophagus is known as an esophageal stricture. A person with this condition will have trouble swallowing food and liquids.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
GERD is the major cause of Barrett's esophagus. Esophagitis, or chronic inflammation of the esophagus, can also lead to Barrett's esophagus. One-third of all people with scleroderma, a skin disorder, develop Barrett's esophagus. For some unknown reason, Barrett's esophagus occurs three times more often in males than in females. It is seen mainly in white men who are 40 to 50 years of age.
GERD can be caused by a weak esophageal sphincter that is present at birth or develops later in life. A hiatal hernia can also cause GERD. Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the stomach pushes up into the diaphragm muscle. When this happens, the esophageal sphincter does not work properly. As a result, the fluid can easily leak back into the esophagus.
Factors that make GERD worse include the following:
- being overweight or obese
- being pregnant
- drinking alcohol or caffeine
- drinking carbonated beverages or fruit juice
- eating chocolate or peppermint
- eating fatty or spicy foods
- eating large meals
- lying down or bending over after a meal
- medicines, such as anti-inflammatory medicines
- smoking or using tobacco products
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment of Barrett's esophagus focuses on eliminating GERD. People with GERD can minimize symptoms by:
- avoiding carbonated drinks and fruit juices
- avoiding fatty or spicy foods
- eating small, frequent meals
- limiting caffeine intake
- limiting intake of alcohol, especially red wine
- managing weight to avoid obesity
- not eating food within 3 hours of bedtime
- not smoking or using tobacco products
- sleeping with the head of the bed elevated
- staying upright after eating
Some of the common medical and surgical treatments for GERD include the following:
- fundoplication, a surgical procedure that strengthens the esophageal sphincter
- GI stimulants that empty the stomach faster, such as metoclopramide
- H2 blockers, such as cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine
- proton-pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, or rabeprazole
A surgical procedure known as dilation is done to correct an esophageal stricture. The surgeon passes a series of dilators down the esophagus. The dilators gently stretch the narrowed opening apart.
Unfortunately, there is nothing that can prevent the cells of Barrett's esophagus from changing into cancer.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Medicines used to treat GERD may cause dry mouth, bloating, and allergic reactions. Surgery can cause bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
The abnormal cells of Barrett's esophagus cannot be changed back into normal cells. The cells also cannot be stopped from changing into cancer. It is important to treat the GERD to prevent further damage.
How is the condition monitored?
The healthcare provider may order regular esophagoscopy exams to check for cancer. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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