Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis
Causes and Symptoms
When the esophagus comes in contact with stomach acid and bile that back up into it, it can cause injury to the normal lining of the esophagus. Esophageal injury with inflammation is called esophagitis. In about 10 percent of sufferers with severe GERD, if injury to the esophagus continues over many years, the injured normal lining of the esophagus will not grow back. Instead, it is replaced by a new abnormal lining called Barrett's esophagus.
There aren't any symptoms that are specific to Barrett's esophagus. The symptoms are usually similar to those produced by chronic GERD, such as heartburn and acid reflux up into the mouth. Some may also suffer from other complications of GERD, such as esophageal peptic ulcers and stricture, a narrowing of the esophagus that comes from scarring.
Some people who have Barrett's esophagus say that though they've had heartburn in the past, they haven't suffered from it in recent years. Some researchers to believe that the development of Barrett's esophagus may actually relieve GERD symptoms in some people.
Some of the risk factors for developing cancer if you have Barrett's esophagus
- GERD - Chronic heartburn (GERD) is the biggest risk factor. The cancer risk increases in proportion to the length of time you've suffered from chronic heartburn, and how often you get acid reflux.
- Obesity - This is a significant risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. One study shwed that it isn't how overweight you are in general that increases the risk, but the amount of fat around the abdominal area, between the chest and the hips.
- Diet - A diet high in fatty foods and low in fruits and vegetables has been associated with the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
- Smoking - Cigarette smoking has been shown to significantly increase the risk for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
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Part 1: What is Barrett's Esophagus
Part 2: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis
Part 3: Can It Be Diagnosed? Is There a Treatment?
