Barrette's Esophagus - Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

What is Barrett’s Esophagus?
Barrett’s Esophagus also known as Barrett’s syndrome or CELL (Columnar Epithelium Lined Lower Oesophagus) is a medical condition in which an abnormal change (also known as metaplasia) in the cells of the lower end of the esophagus occurs due to damage caused by chronic acid exposure or inflammation of esophagus. The Barrett’s Esophagus is characterized by development of benign ulcer like lesion in columnar epithelium and replaces normal squamous cell epithelium, tissue lining the esophagus is replaced by tissue similar to the lining of the intestine. This metaplasia can lead to development of cancer adenocarcinoma.

Barrett’s esophagus is found in people suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD) also known as heartburn or esophageal irritation.

What causes Barrette’s Esophagus?
Exact cause of Barrette’s Esophagus is not known, but gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is considered as a prime risk factor that may lead to the development of this disease. People suffering from GERD are at higher risk of developing this condition. GERD is a condition in which the lining of esophagus near the stomach becomes damaged due to acid reflux and may lead to changes in the cells. People not suffering from GERD may also develop this condition due to changes in tissues in the lining of esophagus (for example: exposure to toxic chemicals).

Other risk factors that may lead to development of this disorder are age, obesity, other disease related to the digestive tract etc.

What are the symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus?
Many people who develop Barrette’s Esophagus do not experience any particular symptom. However there are some symptoms associated with the disorder, which may or may not surface until the point where the disorder becomes prominent.

Whatever we eat is processed and digested in our stomach with the help of strong acids. The acid in our stomach is so strong that it can literally burn the normal cells that come in contact with it. Some people suffering from Barrette’s Esophagus may experience heartburn and some may not have it at all. Those who have heartburn problem, may experience frequent and long lasting heartburn, some people vomit blood, experience pain at the point where the esophagus and stomach meet, weight loss due to inability to eat properly, development of conditions such as dysphagia in which the patient experiences problem while swallowing etc. are symptoms of Barrette’s Esophagus.

Diagnosis of Barrette’s Esophagus:
As there is no particular symptom associated with the disorder (as already mentioned above, people suffering from Barrette’s Esophagus may not at all experience any symptom), physical examination and blood test may not reveal much and prove of little or no help.
The only way Barrette’s Esophagus can be diagnosed is by using upper endoscopy (a procedure in which a small tube having a camera attached to it is inserted in the patient’s esophagus through his/her mouth in order to examine the esophagus) and biopsy of the tissues on the lining of the esophagus.

Treatment
Treatment for Barrette’s Esophagus involves use of medication (including medication for other conditions that may lead to this disease), surveillance and surgery in some cases. Surgery is not always recommended in all the cases except for some with severe cases which may lead to development of cancer (Adenocarcinoma). Endoscopic treatments such as Photodynamic therapy and Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) are also used to treat this condition.

In addition to medication and surgery, the patient may be recommended by the doctor to alter their daily food intake habits such as avoiding spicy and acidic food and drinks, decreasing coffee intake etc. Sometimes, medicines that cause more acidic reactions in body may be strictly forbidden and alternate medicines would be recommended