Barrett's Syndrome

Barrett's syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder, wherein the esophagus (tube carrying food from throat to stomach) lining gets damaged and replaced by cells that are usually found in the intestine. Acid reflux from the stomach causes the flat shaped squamous cells of the esophagus to be damaged and replaced by column like cells present in the intestine. This change of cells is termed as metaplasia. It is a deleterious condition as it can gradually lead to cancer, if neglected and not treated on time.

Causes

Though the exact cause of this syndrome is not known, there are some causative factors that can lead to this condition, such as age, obesity, gastrointestinal reflux disorder and gender. Gastrointestinal reflux disorder is a condition in which the esophagus lining gets damaged due to the reflux of stomach acid back up into the esophagus, thereby, resulting into heartburn. Around 60% of people with Barrett's syndrome have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). People with chronic conditions of GERD are at higher risks of contracting this syndrome. Moreover, unhealthy eating habits, chronic heartburns, etc., can also lead to Barrett's syndrome.

Symptoms

Barrett's syndrome does not have any particular symptoms of its own. People with this disorder experience the same as symptoms of GERD. The symptoms are as follows:

• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Acid reflux (sour taste in mouth)
• Blood spots in vomit
• Blood in stool
• Wheezing
• Pain while swallowing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sore throat

As far as internal symptoms are concerned, the cells lining the esophagus get replaced by the ones lining the intestine. The esophagus with changed cells is called Barrett's esophagus. This can increase the risk of developing a deadly form of esophageal cancer called adenocarcinoma (malignant tumor originating in glandular epithelium).

Diagnosis

The doctor may conduct an upper endoscopy or biopsy to diagnose the condition after performing a physical exam. During the endoscopy, he can examine the esophagus for any inflammation and irritation with the help of a small flexible tube attached with a camera. The tube is inserted through the patient's mouth and into the patient's esophagus, whereby, the doctor can view the esophagus and stomach regions. This test is quite a vexing one for the patient, however, it's something that just needs to be done. Furthermore, he may even conduct a biopsy if he finds something suspicious. With the help of a biopsy, he can inspect a sample of esophageal lining tissue and test for cancerous cells. These tests will help him find out replacement of the cells and confirm the syndrome.

Treatment

There is no specific cure for treating a Barrett's esophagus. This disorder is so vague! Neither does it have any specific symptoms, nor does it have any specific treatment. However, Barrett's esophagus can be fatal as it can lead to a rare and deadly type of esophageal cancer. Treatment generally involves treatment of GERD. The patient may be given antacids, cholinergic agents, promotility agents, histamine H2 receptor blockers or proton pump inhibitors. The doctor will also keep his eyes open for early signs of cancer and will treat it accordingly.

If the syndrome is on the severe side, then surgery is opted for. However, since these surgeries involve several complications, they are recommended only for people with esophageal cancer or those who are highly vulnerable to get it. The surgery may involve removal of esophageal segment affected. This surgery is called esophagectomy. Moreover, in another surgery called fundoplication, a part of the upper stomach is enfolded upon the esophagus, so as to decrease damage done to it by the acid reflux.

Barrett's syndrome is a disorder affecting the esophageal lining and is a condition without specific cure. Hence, it is only wise to try to prevent the onset of this condition by controlling one's weight, refraining from heartburn causing foods like caffeine beverages, alcohol, spicy and acidic foods. Moreover, it is recommended not to eat or drink anything 3-4 hours before going to bed. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!