Barrett’s Esophagus
If esophagus irritation and pain associated with acid reflux negatively affects your normal everyday routine, Barrett’s esophagus could be to blame. The expert gastroenterology team at Peak Gastroenterology Associates, with locations in Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Salida, Denver, Woodland Park, and Parker, Colorado, offers simple treatments for Barrett’s esophagus to relieve discomfort and lower your risk of esophageal cancer. Schedule an appointment with Peak Gastroenterology Associates over the phone or online today.
Barrett’s Esophagus Q&A
What is Barrett’s esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the lining of your esophagus becomes irritated and is replaced by tissue normally found in your intestinal lining.
The condition is often caused by gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can increase your risk of esophageal cancer. Medical care from a specialist helps detect precancerous cells and offers you symptom relief.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS?
It’s common not to experience symptoms associated with esophageal tissue changes and Barrett’s esophagus. However, if you have the condition, you might suffer from symptoms of GERD, including:
- Heartburn
- Chest burning or pain
- Problems swallowing food
GERD can feel uncomfortable and drastically reduce your quality of life, which is why seeking treatment from the expert team at Peak Gastroenterology Associates is beneficial.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS?
The cause of Barrett’s esophagus isn’t entirely clear, but risk factors of the disease often include:
- Acid reflux
- Chronic heartburn
- Being white
- Being a man
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese
In some cases, people with Barrett’s esophagus don’t have symptoms of acid reflux, and the cause of their condition isn’t known.
HOW IS BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS DIAGNOSED?
To diagnose Barrett’s esophagus, your gastroenterologist reviews your medical history and symptoms. They often complete an upper endoscopy, which is a diagnostic procedure where your doctor uses a thin, lighted tube attached to a camera to view the inside of your esophagus.
They may complete a biopsy during the procedure to make a final diagnosis.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS?
Depending on the severity of your condition, your Peak Gastroenterology Associates provider might recommend one of the following treatments for Barrett’s esophagus:
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
If you have a mild case of Barrett’s esophagus, your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes to relieve GERD symptoms. Examples include weight loss, eliminating alcohol, coffee, chocolate, and other trigger foods, not smoking, avoiding tight clothes, and raising the head of your bed at night.
MEDICATIONS
Medications can relieve symptoms associated with GERD and Barrett’s esophagus. Your doctor lets you know which medicine best matches your needs.
ROUTINE MONITORING
Your doctor monitors Barrett’s esophagus using routine biopsies that can detect esophageal cancer.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURES
For more severe cases of Barrett’s esophagus, your gastroenterologist might recommend minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy, or surgery to remove precancerous or cancerous cells in the esophagus.
Don’t let Barrett’s esophagus go untreated or progress to esophageal cancer. Schedule an appointment with Peak Gastroenterology Associates over the phone or online today.