Barrett's esophagus: what it is, symptoms and treatment

Barrett's esophagus is considered a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease, as frequent exposure of the esophageal mucosa to the contents of the stomach causes chronic inflammation and a change in the type of cell that makes up the tissue in this region, leading to the emergence of a condition called intestinal metaplasia.

This condition does not always cause symptoms, however, signs of gastroesophageal reflux which is heartburn, burning and constant burping may appear. The diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus is made by a gastroenterologist by performing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the indicated treatment is based mainly on the use of medications to decrease stomach acidity.

As soon as Barrett's esophagus is identified, it is important to follow treatment guidelines, in addition to making dietary changes to improve symptoms and reduce inflammation at the site, as people with this condition have an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.. Regular follow-up with the doctor is also recommended to reassess the injury.

Main symptoms

Although it does not always cause symptoms, a person with Barrett's esophagus may experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, which are:

• Heartburn; Bitter or metallic taste in the mouth; Regurgitation; Constant belching; Burning sensation; Frequent coughing; Hoarseness.

In addition, pain in the middle of the chest, close to the stomach, is usually frequent in these cases, as with gastroesophageal reflux, gastric contents return, irritating the esophageal mucosa. Better understand what it is and how to identify gastroesophageal reflux.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus is made through endoscopy, an examination in which a tube is inserted through the oral cavity and which allows the observation of the lining of the esophagus, and confirmation is made with the analysis of the biopsy taken during this examination., with a small sample of esophageal tissue, which is then analyzed by the doctor in the laboratory. See more about how endoscopy is done.

A promise to speed up and avoid repeated endoscopies for the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus, is the examination done with capsules, such as Cytosponge, which consists of swallowing a guided capsule that runs through the gastrointestinal tract and is able to collect tissue samples. However, this method is still being tested and is not routinely performed.

Treatment options

Barrett's esophagus is a type of lesion of the esophagus caused by repeated episodes of gastroesophageal reflux, and the treatment of this condition is indicated by the gastroenterologist after confirmation of the diagnosis and usually consists of the use of medications to decrease acidity in the stomach, such as:

• Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Lanzoprazole or Esomeprazole, classified as proton pump inhibitors, and are the most effective; Ranitidine or Cimetidine, classified as histamine receptor 2 antagonists, also very useful and cheaper.

In addition, it is also very important to adopt healthy eating habits, with a diet that facilitates digestion and reduces the occurrence of reflux.

However, if treatment through medication and diet are not enough, radiofrequency ablation may be indicated to eliminate esophageal lesions or surgery, either to build a new gastroesophageal valve, or more complex operations to remove the inner lining. of the esophagus.

Possible causes

Barrett's esophagus is more common in people with a history of gastroesophageal reflux, which is worsened by risk factors such as poor eating habits, excessive consumption of fried or soft drinks, cigarette use and obesity.

Therefore, it is recommended to go to the doctor if reflux symptoms appear, such as heartburn or a burning sensation, for example, or if you have a family history of this disease, to investigate if there is this type of complication and to make the correct treatment.

How should the food be

Controlling food is an important step to help treat Barrett's esophagus, and it is recommended:

• Eat a diet low in fat and low in foods that are difficult to digest or spicy, such as feijoada, barbecue or snacks, as these are foods that stay in the stomach longer, causing poor digestion and increasing the chances of reflux; Avoid carbonated drinks, such as water with gas or soft drinks, as they increase the chances of reflux, increasing the production of gases and attacking the stomach wall; People sensitive to coffee or caffeinated teas, such as matte or black teas, should avoid this type of drink, as they can worsen reflux symptoms; avoid drinking fluids during meals so that the stomach does not get too full; wait at least 1 hour before going to bed after eating to facilitate digestion; avoid drinking alcohol.

Another important tip in food is to eat slowly and chew your food well, as this care facilitates digestion and can help prevent reflux. Find out more about what foods cause heartburn in food to prevent heartburn.

Is Barrett's esophagus cancer?

Barrett's esophagus is not cancer, but it does lead to lesions called intestinal metaplasia, which can be considered pre-cancerous, so people who have Barrett's esophagus are at increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.

It is also important that people with risk factors associated with the appearance of Barrett's esophagus and who have cases of esophageal cancer in the family, have screening tests frequently to detect any changes in the esophageal wall early.

Watch a video with great natural treatment tips for gastroesophageal reflux: