Barrett's esophagus (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Who is at risk for Barrett's syndrome?== | ==Who is at risk for Barrett's syndrome?== | ||
==How to know you have Barrett's esophagus?== | ==How to know you have Barrett's esophagus (Diagnosis)?== | ||
Because Barrett’s esophagus does not cause any symptoms, many physicians recommend that adults older than 40 who have had [[GERD]] for a number of years undergo an [[endoscopy]] and biopsies to check for the condition. | |||
Barrett’s esophagus can only be diagnosed using an [[upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy]] to obtain biopsies of the esophagus. In an upper GI endoscopy, after the patient is sedated, the doctor inserts a flexible tube called an [[endoscope]], which has a light and a miniature camera, into the esophagus. If the tissue appears suspicious, the doctor removes several small pieces using a pincher-like device that is passed through the endoscope. A pathologist examines the tissue with a microscope to determine the diagnosis. | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care== | ==When to seek urgent medical care== | ||
Revision as of 14:33, 28 July 2009
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What is Barrett's esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus—the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach—is replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine. This process is called intestinal metaplasia.
No signs or symptoms are associated with Barrett’s esophagus, but it is commonly found in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A small number of people with Barrett’s esophagus develop a rare but often deadly type of cancer of the esophagus.
The average age at diagnosis is 50, but determining when the problem started is usually difficult. Men develop Barrett’s esophagus twice as often as women, and Caucasian men are affected more frequently than men of other races. Barrett’s esophagus is uncommon in children.
What are the symptoms of Barrett's esophagus?
Barrett's esophagus itself does not cause symptoms. The acid reflux that causes Barrett's esophagus results in symptoms of heartburn.
What are the causes of Barrett's esophagus?
Irritation of the lining of the esophagus by stomach acid can lead to Barrett's esophagus. The irritation is caused by stomach acid that leaks and moves back up the gastrointestinal tract. This is commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and it can cause heartburn.
Barrett's esophagus is more common in men than women. You have a greater risk for this condition if you have frequent and long-standing GERD.
Who is at risk for Barrett's syndrome?
How to know you have Barrett's esophagus (Diagnosis)?
Because Barrett’s esophagus does not cause any symptoms, many physicians recommend that adults older than 40 who have had GERD for a number of years undergo an endoscopy and biopsies to check for the condition. Barrett’s esophagus can only be diagnosed using an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy to obtain biopsies of the esophagus. In an upper GI endoscopy, after the patient is sedated, the doctor inserts a flexible tube called an endoscope, which has a light and a miniature camera, into the esophagus. If the tissue appears suspicious, the doctor removes several small pieces using a pincher-like device that is passed through the endoscope. A pathologist examines the tissue with a microscope to determine the diagnosis.
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Barrett's esophagus
Directions to Hospitals Treating Barrett's disease