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Barrett's esophagus is a medical diagnosis in which the normal cells of the esophageal lining are replaced by cells that resemble the intestinal lining. The esophagus is a food pipe that connects the mouth to the stomach. Normally, the lining of the esophagus is made up of smooth cells with a pink-like appearance.
However, in people with chronicgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux, the backflow of stomach acid irritates the esophageal lining. Repeated irritation results in the development of rough and reddish-looking cells in the esophageal lining.
This new appearance resembles the appearance of the small intestinal lining and is diagnosed as Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus increases the risk of developingesophageal cancer.
According to the reports, Barrett's esophagus affects1.6 to 6.8% of people worldwide. It is also more common in men than in women.
People with Barrett's esophagus usually don't experience any specific symptoms. Somepeople may experience dysphagia — difficulty in swallowing — or feeling as if something obstructed their throat.
Since GERD leads to the development of Barrett's esophagus in most cases, people may experience similar symptoms as in GERD. These include:
The exact cause of Barrett's esophagus is not known yet. We don't know why the cellular structure of the esophageal lining changes. However, we do know what factors can increase the risk of developing Barrett's esophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, orGERD, increases the risk of developing Barrett's esophagus. GERD is a very common digestive problem affecting around800 million people worldwide. Reports show that between10 and 15% of people with GERD develop Barrett's esophagus.
In GERD, stomach acid backflows to the esophagus - causing irritation. It’s usually the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter, located between the esophagus and the stomach. This sphincter allows one-way passage of food content into the stomach.
But when the sphincter muscles are weak or damaged, they fail to close properly. This allows the backflow of stomach acid. Stomach acid irritates the esophageal lining and causesinflammation. Repeated irritation can lead to a change in the cellular structure of the esophagus, causing Barrett's esophagus.
While GERD is the most common risk factor, there are some other factors too that can increase your risk of developing Barrett's esophagus. Theseinclude:
Barrett's esophagus can be a serious condition for some people as it increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer, calledesophageal adenocarcinoma. However, this risk is not critically higher.Studies show that less than 1% of people with Berrett's esophagus develop esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Doctors recommend regular checkups for early detection of esophageal cancer in patients with Barrett’s Esophagus. The checkups include endoscopy and biopsies of the esophageal lining to detectdysplasia. Dysplasia refers to abnormal cell growth that can lead to cancer. If dysplasia is detected, early management can prevent esophageal cancer.
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People who don't develop esophageal cancer from Barrett's esophagus live a normal life usually. They may experience symptoms associated with GERD, such as dysphagia, heartburn, and chest pain.
Medical management, diet, and lifestyle changes canhelp manage GERD and related symptoms.
Barrett's esophageal is an irreversible condition, and it has no cure. The treatment options focus on reducing the risk of esophageal cancer and managing GERD-related symptoms.
After the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus, doctors recommend periodic endoscopy of the esophagus. This is to detect the early development of dysplasia or abnormal cells.
If dysplasia appears in endoscopy, there are treatment options available to prevent esophageal cancer.
If you have Barrett's esophagus due to GERD, the doctors focus on managing the GERD to prevent further damage to the esophageal lining. Medications are the primary treatment option to reduce the symptoms of GERD.
Your doctor will prescribe you acid-suppressing medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Some common PPIs to manage GERD in Barrett's esophagusinclude:
When dysplasia develops in the esophageal lining, ablation therapy is an effective treatment option for its removal. It involves using extreme cold or heat to kill the abnormal cells.
Cryoablation uses cold liquid or gas to target and kill abnormal cells. In contrast,radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves and heat to destroy abnormal cells. Both types of ablation therapy are performed using an endoscope.
Esophagectomy is the surgical removal of the affected section of the esophagus. Surgery is for those patients with high-grade dysplasia or cancerous cell formation in the esophagus.
In esophagectomy, doctors remove the affected portion of the esophagus and replace it with the parts from the stomach and large intestine. However, surgery is not the preferred treatment option for Barrett's esophagus.
Doctors consider this when endoscopic procedures such as ablation therapy are not an option.
Lifestyle modifications significantly help in lowering the symptoms of GERD and can prevent the worsening of Barrett's esophagus. This includes changes in dietary habits such as eating food that helps reduce acid reflux and avoiding foods that trigger it.
Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption can alsohelp in the management of Barrett's esophagus.
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In most cases, Barrett's esophagus is the outcome of chronic GERD. Patients with Barrett's esophagus experience the symptoms and discomfort of GERD. Depending on what food you eat, the symptoms can worsen or improve.
The following foods can lower the risk of GERD and thus improve the condition in people with Barrett's esophagus:
Vegetables and fruits are excellent sources of dietary fiber. A2023 study shows that consuming vegetables and fruits reduces the risk of Barrett's esophagus. The study further explains that dietary fiber reduces the risk of Barrett's esophagus by lowering the risk of GERD.
Anotherstudy on the risk factors of Barrett's esophagus indicates that fruit and vegetable intake reduces the risk of developing this condition. A2022 study shows that fruit and vegetable intake lowers the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Some fiber-rich vegetable options for Barrett's esophagus can include:
Similarly, some fiber-rich fruits for managing GERD and Barrett's esophagus can include:
Not all fats are bad, and omega-3 fatty acids are the most common example of it.Studies show that consuming omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of developing Barrett's esophagus. A2019 study shows that consuming omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of esophageal damage and inflammation by GERD.
Some common sources of omega-3 fatty acids are:
Research shows that consuming meat lowers the risk of developing Barrett's esophagus. However, processed meat cantrigger acid reflux and worsen the condition. To avoid this, replace processed meat with lean meat sources in your diet.
Some healthy sources of lean meat include:
Reports show that increased consumption of legumes significantly reduces the risk of Barrett's esophagus. Astudy on the relationship between foods and GERD shows that legumes can improve digestion and lower the symptoms of GERD. Legumes are also rich in fiber, making them a great food choice for people with Barrett's esophagus.
Legumes include:
A2021 study in the Journal Nutrients shows that eating whole grains can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer from Barrett's esophagus. Anotherstudy shows that consuming whole grains in your diet improves the symptoms of GERD.
Some whole grains that you can include in Barrett's esophagus diet are:
Fiber is highly effective in lowering GERD symptoms and also protects against esophageal cancer. Since GERD is a primary risk factor for Barrett's esophagus, adding fiber to your diet can significantly improve the condition.
A study published inCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition journal shows that a high-fiber diet reduces the risk of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer. Research published inNutritional Reviews journal indicates that fiber has several anticancer properties that can protect against esophageal cancer.
Studies also show that a high-fiber diet reduces the risk of Barrett's esophagus by preventing GERD. A study by theWorld Journal of Gastroenterology shows that a fiber-rich diet reduces the frequency of acid reflux and improves the condition.
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If you have Barrett's esophagus and symptoms of GERD, increase the amount of plant-based foods high in fiber in your diet. You can alsobuy powdered fiber if you want a convenient way to meet yourdaily fiber requirements.
According to the scientific evidence, the following foods can trigger GERD and worsen Barrett's esophagus:
Studies show that fat slows down the rate of stomach emptying. When food content stays in the stomach for longer, it can backflow towards the esophagus, causing acid reflux.
A2021 study shows that fatty foods can reduce the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter. This increases the risk of developing GERD.
Some unhealthy fatty foods to avoid with Barrett's esophagus include:
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A study byPreventive Nutrition and Food Science indicates that spicy foods increase the risk of developing GERD.Reports also show that spicy foods can irritate the already inflamed esophagus and worsen the symptoms.
If you have Barrett's esophagus or symptoms of GERD, avoid spice powders and sauces in your meal.
A2021 study shows that carbonated drinks increase the risk of developing GERD. Anotherstudy shows that consuming carbonated beverages increases the symptoms of acid reflux. Repeated symptoms of acid reflux can worsen the condition of people with Barrett's esophagus.
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The major complication of Barrett's esophagus is developing esophageal cancer. Studies show that consuming even one alcoholic drink increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Alcohol can also worsen Barrett's esophagus by triggering the symptoms of GERD.
Studies recommend avoiding alcohol to prevent the worsening of GERD.
Self-induced vomiting in bulimia nervosa can cause damage to the esophagus.Studies show that bulimia can cause GERD and Barrett's esophagus. Bulimia is also arisk factor for developing esophageal cancer.
There is always a risk of developing esophageal cancer in people with Barrett's esophagus. However, the risk is not very high, andless than 1% of people get esophageal cancer from this condition.
Barrett's esophagus doesn't have a significant effect on the life expectancy. However, when it develops into esophageal cancer, there is anincreased risk of complications and death.
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which intestinal cells replace the normal lining of the esophagus. It primarily occurs in people with chronic GERD, where stomach acid damages the esophageal lining. Barrett's esophagus isn't a serious condition by itself, but it can lead to the development of esophageal cancer.
Medical management of Barrett's esophagus focuses on preventing cancerous cell formation and managing GERD. Treatment options include medications, ablation therapy, and surgery. Dietary and lifestyle modification can help reduce the symptoms of GERD and manage the condition.
If you have Barrett's esophagus, focus on eating fiber-rich foods and avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux. You can alsoconsult a dietitian for a personalized diet plan to deal with this condition effectively.
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