What To Know About Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus develops in some people with long-term acid reflux — also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Although it doesn’t usually cause symptoms on its own and is sometimes called “silent reflux,” Barrett’s esophagus does increase your risk of developing cancer.

At Franciscan Health, our gastroenterology specialists are experts at diagnosing Barrett’s esophagus. We help you manage the condition so it doesn’t become something more serious.

Key Takeaways: Barrett’s Esophagus

• Barrett’s esophagus can develop as a complication of acid reflux. Over time, the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged from repeated exposure to stomach acid. These changes can increase your risk of esophageal cancer.
• A biopsy typically confirms whether you’ve developed this pre-cancerous condition.
• Avoiding acid reflux is the best way to prevent Barrett’s esophagus.

What Is Barrett’s Esophagus?

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.

“The cells in the esophagus lining adapt to survive repeated stomach acid exposure,” said Ahmed Akhter, MD, a Crown Point gastroenterologist with Franciscan Physician Network. “Think of it as the esophagus trying to protect itself. But these changes can increase the risk of cancer.”

By itself, Barrett’s esophagus doesn’t cause symptoms. Instead, many people with the condition notice symptoms from GERD, which can include:

• A chronic cough
• Chest pain
• Frequent regurgitation, or food coming back up into the throat
• Heartburn
• Hoarseness
• Nausea
• Trouble swallowing or pain while swallowing

Who Is At Risk For Barrett’s Esophagus?

Not everyone with GERD develops Barrett’s esophagus. But certain factors can increase your risk. These include:

• Having a family history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer
• Having GERD for more than five years
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• Your age, with risk increasing after 50
• Your gender (men develop Barrett’s esophagus more than women)

“If you’ve lived with heartburn and acid reflux for years, don’t brush it off,” Dr. Akhter said. “It’s important to see your doctor to determine if you have Barrett’s esophagus. Catching these changes in the esophagus lining early can help prevent cancer from developing, and give you tools to manage the condition.”

How Is Barrett’s Esophagus Diagnosed?

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

In certain cases, your doctor may use a capsule test to detect signs of Barrett’s esophagus. This procedure is less invasive than a traditional endoscopy and involves swallowing a pill, which contains a sponge that expands in the esophagus. The pill is attached to a string. While the doctor pulls the string up and out of the throat, the sponge scrapes cells from the esophageal lining.

Treatment And Monitoring Symptoms

Not everyone with Barrett’s esophagus needs immediate treatment beyond GERD management. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment approaches can include:

• Lifestyle changes and medication: You may need to avoid triggers 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 surveillance: Your doctor may recommend follow-up endoscopies to monitor for abnormal or precancerous cells in esophageal tissue.
• Advanced treatment: If you have precancerous cells, you may need a procedure like an endoscopic ablation, which can remove or destroy abnormal tissue. (Learn about Nissen Fundoplication surgery, a common, minimally invasive procedure to treat acid reflux.)

How To Protect Your Esophagus

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. Here are four ways to prevent reflux:

• Don’t smoke.

• Eat smaller meals and avoid lying down for three hours after you eat.

• Limit alcohol, caffeine and high-fat foods.

• Maintain or reach a healthy weight.

“The more you protect your esophagus, the better chance you have to avoid Barrett’s esophagus and other conditions like cancer,” Dr. Akhter said.

Gastroenterology Care At Franciscan Health

If you have frequent acid reflux or risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus, our GI specialists can help. They’re skilled at diagnosing and treating both common and complex issues that affect the digestive tract. Our gastroenterology experts will work with you to prevent complications and support your long-term digestive health.