Barrett’s esophagus

What is Barrett’s esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes after repeated exposure to stomach acid. The esophagus is the tube that moves food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Some people experience acid reflux, which is when stomach acid moves back up into the esophagus. Over time, acid reflux can cause the lining of the esophagus to heal abnormally and become more like intestinal cells. This process is called intestinal metaplasia. In rare cases, precancerous cells can form, so it’s important to see a doctor regularly if you experience acid reflux.

A rare condition, Barrett’s esophagus is sometimes referred to as Barrett’s syndrome or Barrett’s disease. Penn Medicine Gastroenterology and Hepatology specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Barrett’s esophagus.

Barrett’s esophagus symptoms

There are no symptoms for Barrett’s esophagus. However, signs of acid reflex may include the following:

  • Blood in your stool or vomit
  • Constant bad breath, sore throat, or sour taste in your mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing solid foods
  • Heartburn signaled by a burning sensation in the chest and vomit in the back of the throat
  • Indigestion or discomfort in your upper abdomen
  • Nocturnal regurgitation, which presents as an acidic or bitter liquid in the throat or mouth during the night
  • The feeling of food or a lump in your throat
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Upper abdominal or chest pain

Talk to your doctor if you experience acid reflex symptoms.

What causes Barrett’s esophagus?

Experts don’t know the exact cause of Barrett’s esophagus. Some patients have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where digestive acids from the stomach flow back into the esophagus, damaging esophageal tissue and triggering changes to the lining. However, not all people who have Barrett’s esophagus have GERD.

Barrett’s esophagus treatment

There isn’t a cure for Barrett’s esophagus, but various treatments are available depending on whether you have signs of dysplasia, including: 

  • Endoscopic resection
  • Endoscopic surgery
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Cryotherapy
  • Medications

Lifestyle changes—avoiding tobacco and maintaining a healthy weight—are also important in treating both GERD and Barrett’s esophagus. Penn Medicine offers smoking cessation and weight management programs that can help.

Barrett’s esophagus risk factors

In addition to having GERD, other factors can increase your chance of getting Barrett’s esophagus:

  • Age 50 or older
  • Assigned male at birth
  • Being overweight
  • Being white
  • Having a family member with Barrett’s esophagus
  • Smoking

Does food worsen Barrett’s esophagus?

Diet doesn’t cause or prevent Barrett’s esophagus. However, people who have GERD should avoid large meals and any foods that can increase acid reflux, including:

  • Alcohol
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Fatty foods
  • Greasy foods
  • Peppermint
  • Spicy foods
  • Tomatoes and tomato products

Personalized gastrointestinal care close to home

Our gastroenterology experts provide comprehensive evaluations and treatment options for esophageal disorders like Barrett’s esophagus in locations throughout the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions. We take a patient-centered approach so we can provide individualized treatment plans designed just for you.

At Penn Medicine, you can expect to find:

  • Expert diagnosis: Our GI specialists have experience treating Barrett’s esophagus and use the latest methods to diagnose it accurately.
  • A collaborative care team: We use a team approach to diagnose and treat Barrett’s esophagus. Our gastroenterologists, pathologists, and surgeons work together to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
  • Ongoing support: We offer a variety of resources to help you throughout your care journey, including nutritional counseling and smoking cessation programs. Our goal is to help you achieve the optimum level of health and enhance your well-being.

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