Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus is a potentially severe condition that can develop in individuals with long-term acid reflux. At Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island, gastroenterologists Jeffrey Novak, MD, and Zachary Marwil, MD, diagnose and treat Barrett’s esophagus. They use advanced testing like upper endoscopy and capsule endoscopy procedures to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus. Call the office in Wantagh or Malverne, New York, today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is Barrett’s esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus is a complex condition that thickens and reddens the thin pink lining of the esophagus. The esophagus connects the mouth and the stomach. When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the bottom of the esophagus doesn’t completely close after you eat, stomach acid travels upward. This acid damages the esophageal lining over time.

Without early intervention, Barrett’s esophagus can increase your risk of esophageal cancer. Prompt treatment is essential to protect your esophageal lining and prevent complications.

What are the symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus?

The primary symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus are:

• Heartburn
• Bloody vomit or stool
• Difficulty swallowing
• Indigestion

Regurgitation at night is another telltale symptom of Barrett’s esophagus. This happens when the food you’ve eaten travels back into your mouth.

How does Barrett’s esophagus develop?

Barrett’s esophagus is caused by damage to the esophageal lining by the chemicals in stomach acid. It commonly develops in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows upward through the esophagus.

Barrett’s esophagus changes the structure of the cells in your esophageal lining. The original lining contains cells similar to skin cells. As acid damages the lining, the cells more closely resemble intestinal cells.

How is Barrett’s esophagus diagnosed?

Barrett’s esophagus can be difficult to diagnose and usually requires several tests. After reviewing your medical history and completing a physical exam, your gastroenterologist could recommend an endoscopy. This diagnostic procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube (an endoscope) into your esophagus through your mouth and throat.

The endoscope contains a small camera that allows your physician to view your entire esophagus. If you have Barrett’s esophagus, the lining will appear red and matte rather than pale and shiny. A biopsy is usually needed to accurately diagnose the condition.

What are the treatments for Barrett’s esophagus?

How Barrett’s esophagus is treated will depend on how severe it is. Some patients require regular monitoring and GERD treatment, while others need additional treatment. An endoscopic resection allows your gastroenterologist to remove damaged tissue during an endoscopy. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to eliminate these abnormal cells.

In advanced cases, surgery is needed to slow the progression of Barrett’s esophagus and minimize your cancer risk.

Call Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about Barrett’s esophagus and its treatments.