Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the esophagus – the tube connecting your mouth and your stomach – is damaged by stomach acids. The tissue in the esophagus is replaced by tissue similar to what is in the stomach and intestines.

Barrett's esophagus is most often diagnosed in people who have long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a chronic condition in which acid from the stomach refluxes into the lower esophagus. Only a small percentage of people with GERD will develop Barrett's esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is occurs more often in men than in women. Caucasian people are more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus than people of other races. The condition is usually diagnosed after age 50 and the condition is rare in children.

Barrett's esophagus itself does not cause symptoms. The acid reflux that causes Barrett's esophagus can causes symptoms of heartburn.

People with Barrett's esophagus have an increased risk for esophageal cancer. However, this risk is still very low and the cancer is uncommon.

Diagnosis and treatment of GERD should improve acid reflux symptoms and may keep Barrett's esophagus from getting worse.

The exact cause of Barrett’s esophagus is unknown. However, some factors can increase or decrease your chance of developing Barrett’s esophagus.

Having GERD increases your chances of developing Barrett’s esophagus. GERD is a chronic form of gastroesophageal reflux, a condition in which stomach contents reflux back up into your esophagus. Refluxed stomach acid that touches the lining of your esophagus can cause heartburn and damage the cells in your esophagus. As the esophagus tries to heal itself, the cells can change to the type of cells found in Barrett's esophagus, which are similar to those found in the stomach. Between 5% and 10% of people with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus.

Obesity and smoking also increase your chances of developing Barrett’s esophagus. Some studies suggest that your genetics, or inherited genes, may play a role in whether or not you develop Barrett’s esophagus.

Having a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may decrease your chances of developing Barrett’s esophagus. Doctors are not sure how H. pylori protects against Barrett’s esophagus. This bacteria damage your stomach and the tissue in your intestines and cause ulcers, and some researchers believe the bacteria makes your stomach contents less damaging to your esophagus if you have GERD.

Factors that may decrease the chance of developing Barrett’s esophagus include frequent use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and certain vitamins​.

See your doctor for long-standing heartburn or acid reflux, or trouble swallowing. People with Barrett's esophagus need regular monitoring because it slightly raises the risk of esophageal cancer.