Barrett’s esophagus is not very similar to many other intestinal issues. Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida share warning signs and symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus. Knowing what GERD is and how it relates to this esophagus disease can be particularly informative for your treatment.
Having Barrett’s esophagus:
According to Mayo Clinic, Barrett’s esophagus is often diagnosed in people who have long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD. That being said, only a small percentage of people with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus. GERD causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, the tube connecting the stomach to the mouth.
People with Barrett’s have an increased risk for esophageal cancer. The risk may be small, but it is a major reason to keep a relationship with a gastroenterologist. It is advantageous to your health to maintain regular checkups.
At these regular checkups, gastroenterologists can spot precancerous cells. If any are discovered, they can be treated. This can amazingly prevent esophageal cancer, so it is best to not put off any checkups.
Symptoms to look for:
The tissue changes that is characterized by this disease does not cause any symptoms. Actually, it is the GERD that causes most of the symptoms for Barrett’s esophagus. Many people with Barrett’s esophagus have little to no symptoms which may be yet another reason to get checked by a gastroenterologist regularly.
Frequent heartburn is associated with this condition because of the stomach acid damaging the lining of the esophagus. A very common and uncomfortable symptom is difficulty swallowing dry or acidic food. The least common symptom is chest pain.
Seek immediate attention:
If you have experienced any chest pain, this may be a sign of a heart attack. Difficulty swallowing and vomiting are reasons to seek immediate medical attention. If you vomit red blood or blood that looks like coffee grounds, this is very dire and requires action. Passing tarry or bloody stools means you need medical attention promptly.
An endoscopy can be performed to check on the texture of the esophagus tissue. Normal tissue is glossy and pale. Barret’s can look velvety and red. The gastroenterologist can do a biopsy to determine the change of the tissue.
Degree of tissue change:
Your tissue may be classified as no dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia, or high-grade dysplasia. No dysplasia is if Barret’s esophagus is present with no precancerous cells. Low-grade dysplasia is the presence of cells showing little precancerous changes. High-grade dysplasia is the presence of many changed cells, and it is said to be the last step before esophageal cancer.
Factors that increase the risk of Barrett’s esophagus:
Barrett’s esophagus can develop at any age, but it is commonly in older adults. White people and males are far more common to have this burden. Body fat around the abdomen and obesity increases your risk. Similarly to most conditions, current or past smokers are at a higher risk.
GERD and Barrett’s esophagus:
As stated by Mayo Clinic, GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. The stomach acid can strongly irritate the lining of the esophagus. While many people experience acid reflux from time to time, not everyone experiences it more than once a week.
Symptoms of GERD:
Common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux include a burning in your chest, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, or a sensation of having a lump in your throat.
At night, reflux can cause other symptoms. Chronic cough, laryngitis, new or worsening asthma, and disrupted sleep are night time symptoms. Your gastroenterologist can manage symptoms and possibly stop them altogether.
People that get heartburn and take over the counter medicine twice a week or more should see a gastroenterologist. Doctors inform patients that smoking, eating large meals, fatty or fried foods, alcohol or coffee, and certain medications can aggrevate your reflux.
Diagnosing and treatment:
Your gastroenterologist may just need to do a physical examination. Some cases call for an upper endoscopy to diagnose gastroesophagael reflux disease. The doctor will insert a small tube with a camera and light into your throat to check for inflammation.
An ambulatory acid probe test may be needed to identify when, and the duration, stomach acid regurgitates. Your gastroenterologist may perform a esophageal manometry to measure the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when swallowing.
Other times, only a simple x-ray is needed of your upper digestive system. If diagnosed with GERD, your gastroenterologist may begin with lifestyle changes, recommend over the counter medicines, and work on treatment from there.
Thank you for reading this week’s blog, and check in next week on the latest Gastroenterology news. Schedule an appointment today with Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida for regular checkups to prevent health complications in your future.
Hurry back and enjoy the last breezes of summer.
Staff Writer.