Barrett's esophagus medical therapy

Barrett's Esophagus Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Medical Therapy

Treatment may be important even if you do not feel any symptoms.

Lifestyle changes include:

• Avoiding dietary fat, chocolate, caffeine, and peppermint because they may cause lower esophageal pressure and allow stomach acid to flow backwards
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
• Avoiding lying down after meals
• Losing weight
• Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated
• Taking all medications with plenty of water

Medications to relieve symptoms and control gastroesophageal reflux include:

• Antacids after meals and at bedtime
• Cholinergic agents
• Histamine H2 receptor blockers
• Promotility agents
• Proton pump inhibitors: Proton pump inhibitor drugs have not yet been proven to prevent esophageal cancer.