Barretts Esophagus

Barretts Esophagus occurs when the lining of the esophagus is taken over by tissue that is just like the intestional lining. Intestional Metaplasia is the medical term for this condition.

You might not have any symptoms that are anything different than having GERD, which is gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Barrett's Esophagus is rare, only affecting a small number of adults. It seems to be more common with men than women.

The Esophagus Role

Your esophagus transports foods and all liquids as you take them in through the mouth, and down into your stomach. After that, the stomach's response should be to process the liquids you drink and foods eaten into your intestinal area. The intestinal process then, absorbs your nutrients. You don't usually have any type of feeling in the esophagus unless you swallow something that is not comfortable.

The esophagus has layers of a muscular nature that are all together in sphincters simply called muscles. With the process of swallowing, these muslces are supposed to have a relaxation that will allow the passages to occur after food is swallowed. The sphincter is supposed to quickly close to ensure your food or liquids from coming out of your stomach, backing up into the throat through the esophagus. This is what should not happen when the process is really normal.

Why it's important for GERD to be treated

Not treating GERD can lead to scarring and tissue damage and ulcers that bleed out over time. It can also make you cough all the time, and lose your voice. Doctors treat GERD with the following:

Tagamet

Pepcid AC

Axid AR

Zantac

The above medicines are all what is called pump inhibitors. This helps the food to digest better and prevent damage from acid reflux to the esophagus.

Barretts Esophagus and GERD

GERD has a strong tendency to produce Barrett's Esophagus. Over time, as the erosion and scarring of the esophagus occurs, this is what leads to a more serious disorder.

Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus

Most doctors will diagnose this condition by using endoscopy and also some biopsies that can find out about the condition of the esophagus.

Another test used is the upper GI series using endoscopy. A thin flexible tube us inserts an endoscope into the mouth after the person undergoing the treatment is under sedation. Tissue is removed from the esophagus area to find out the exact problems. This is a definitive test for Barretts Esophagus.

If you have cancers of the area, there are endoscopic therapies as well as photodynamic therapy that will treat the affected area. In extreme cases of Barrett's Esophagus, surgical removal of a large part of the esophagus is removed, and the stomach repositioned into the chest cavity.

Acid reflux is not only painful, but can also be a pain. Acid reflux tips will give you all of the information you need and tips to treat your symptoms. Thank you so much again, for showing interest.

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