What is Barrett’s esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus is when the normal cells that line your food pipe (esophagus) turn into cells not usually found in your esophagus. The new cells take over because the lining of the esophagus has been damaged. The new, abnormal cells are called specialized columnar cells.

It is very rare that someone with this disease will get cancer of the esophagus. But having Barrett’s esophagus may raise your risk of having esophageal cancer.

What causes Barrett’s esophagus?

You may get Barrett’s esophagus if you have frequent heartburn that lasts for many years. Heartburn is also called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux disease. You may also get it if you have swelling of the esophagus (esophagitis). These health problems harm the lining of your esophagus. This can cause the abnormal cells to take over.

If you have long-term (chronic) heartburn, you are at risk for Barrett’s esophagus. Talk with your healthcare provider.

Who is at risk for Barrett’s esophagus?

You are at greater risk of getting Barrett’s esophagus if you are:

• Age 50 or older
• Male
• White
• Obese
• A tobacco smoker

Barrett’s esophagus is not common in children.

What are the symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus?

Each person’s symptoms may vary. Some people with Barrett’s esophagus have no symptoms. Others have symptoms caused by GERD. These include:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation
• Trouble swallowing

In some cases, you may not have any symptoms. Or the signs of Barrett’s esophagus may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is Barrett’s esophagus diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam. He or she will also do a test called an endoscopy. During the test, your provider will put a long, thin tube (endoscope) in your mouth and push it down into your esophagus.

The endoscope has a small camera and tools. Your healthcare provider uses the camera to see the lining of your esophagus. He or she will use the tools to remove a small tissue sample (a biopsy). This tissue sample will be sent to a lab. It will be checked to see if your normal cells have been taken over by abnormal cells.

If you are having trouble swallowing, your healthcare provider may also do an upper GI (gastrointestinal) barium study. This test may show if you have a narrowing (stricture) of the esophagus. This narrowing happens when the damaged lining of the esophagus gets thick and hard.

How is Barrett’s esophagus treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Treatment for Barrett’s esophagus centers on acid blockers that will also treat GERD symptoms. Barrett’s esophagus is usually long-lasting (permanent). But it may go away in some people.

Your healthcare provider will make a care plan for you. The plan will try to stop any more damage by keeping acid reflux out of your esophagus. Your care plan may include:

• Medicine. You may be given medicine to reduce how much acid is made in your stomach.
• Surgery. You may need a type of surgery called fundoplication. This will take out damaged tissue or part of the esophagus. The part of the esophagus that is left is usually joined to the stomach.
• Dilation treatment. You may need this if you have a narrowing of the esophagus. During dilation, a tool gently stretches (dilates) the narrowed part of the esophagus. It also widens the opening of the esophagus.

In some cases, the Barrett’s esophagus tissue becomes more and more abnormal (precancerous). This is called dysplasia. It means you are at risk for esophageal cancer. When this happens, your provider may offer other treatments such as radiofrequency ablation. This treatment is done during an endoscopy.

Can Barrett’s esophagus be prevented?

You can help lower your risk of getting Barrett’s esophagus by:

• Eating lots of fruits and vegetables
• Losing weight and staying at a healthy weight

Living with Barrett’s esophagus

If you have Barrett’s esophagus, your healthcare provider will give you follow-up instructions. You may not need surgery or another treatment right away. But you should have GI studies done from time to time. These will help to see if your case has gotten worse and if you need surgery or another treatment.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of your early symptoms come back or get worse after you’ve had medicine, surgery, or other treatments. Call your healthcare provider if you have:

• Vomiting that continues
• Vomiting blood
• Trouble swallowing

Key points about Barrett’s esophagus

• Barrett’s esophagus is when the normal cells that line your food pipe (esophagus) turn into cells not usually found in your esophagus.
• This happens because the lining of your esophagus has been damaged.
• You may get this if you have long-term GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
• You are at greater risk if you are white, male, obese, and age 50 or older.
• Having Barrett’s esophagus may raise your risk of getting esophageal cancer.
• There is no cure for Barrett’s esophagus.
• Your care plan will try to stop any more damage by keeping acid reflux out of your esophagus.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.