Barrett's Esophagus - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Barrett's Esophagus, also known as Barrett's syndrome or Columnar Epithelium Lined Lower esophagus (CELL), is a medical condition in which an abnormal change (also known as metaplasia) occurs in the cells of the lower end of the esophagus due to inflammation of the organ or damage caused by chronic acid exposure.

The disease is characterized by development of benign ulcer, like lesion in columnar epithelium, and it replaces the normal squamous cell epithelium tissue lining this organ with a tissue similar to the lining of the intestine.

This can lead to the development of cancer adenocarcinoma. It is found in people suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD), also known as heartburn or esophageal irritation.

The exact cause of the above condition is not known, but GERD is considered as a prime risk factor that may lead to its development. People suffering from GERD are at higher risk of developing this condition.

GERD is a condition in which the lining of esophagus near the stomach becomes damaged due to acid reflux, and it may lead to changes in the cells. People not suffering from GERD may also develop this condition due to changes in tissues in the lining (for example, exposure to toxic chemicals).

Other risk factors that may lead to development of this disorder are age, obesity, other disease related to the digestive tract etc.

Many people who develop the above medical condition do not experience any particular symptom. However, there are some symptoms associated with the disorder, which may or may not surface until it becomes prominent.

Whatever we eat is processed and digested in our stomach with the help of strong acids. The acid in our stomach is so strong, that it can literally burn the normal cells that come in contact with it. Some people may experience heartburn, and some may not have it at all. Some observed symptoms are given below:

• Frequent and long-lasting heartburn
• Vomiting blood

• Pain at the lining
• Weight loss due to inability to eat properly
• Development of dysphagia (swallowing problem)

As there is no particular symptom associated with the disorder, physical examination and blood test may not reveal much, and prove of little or no help. The only way it can be diagnosed is by using upper endoscopy and biopsy of the tissues at the lining.

Endoscopy is a procedure in which a small tube having a camera attached to it is inserted in the patient's esophagus through his/her mouth, in order to examine the affected part.

Treatment involves use of medication (including medication for other conditions that may lead to this disease), surveillance, and in some cases, surgery. Surgery is not always recommended in all the cases, except for some with severe ones, which may lead to development of cancer (Adenocarcinoma).

Endoscopic treatment options such as Photodynamic therapy and Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) are also used to treat this condition.

In addition to medication and surgery, patients may be recommended by the doctor, to alter their daily food intake habits, such as avoiding spicy and acidic food and drinks, decreasing coffee intake etc. Sometimes, medicines that cause more acidic reactions in body may be strictly forbidden, and alternate medicines would be recommended.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.