{"id":2685,"date":"2019-01-21T06:56:03","date_gmt":"2019-01-21T06:56:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2685"},"modified":"2021-05-24T15:43:50","modified_gmt":"2021-05-24T15:43:50","slug":"12-symptoms-of-barretts-esophagus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/12-symptoms-of-barretts-esophagus\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Barret\u2019s esophagus describes a condition where the lower lining of the esophagus sustains damage due to inflammation produced by acid reflux. The condition typically affects overweight or obese men who suffer from long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease, (GERD.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from GERD experience a constant regurgitation of stomach acids into the lower portion of the esophagus. As a result, the tissue around this region begins to turn into the same type found in your intestinal lining. The development of this tissue occurs to protect the lining of the esophagus from further inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that Barret\u2019s esophagus is a rare disorder, affecting only a small fraction of people living with the symptoms of GERD. For those individuals that do develop the condition, they have a chance of developing esophageal cancer. Individuals with the disease require regular checkups for precancerous cells, also known as dysplasia. Here are eight symptoms of Barret\u2019s esophagus.
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1.    Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Individuals experiencing long-term symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux<\/a> disease, also known by the acronym, GERD, are the highest-risk group for developing Barrett’s esophagus. However, it\u2019s important to note that symptoms of GERD don\u2019t automatically mean that you are destined to develop Barrett’s esophagus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GERD, if left untreated, is an uncomfortable condition that can affect a person\u2019s ability to eat, as well as digestive issues after eating. These individuals often experience intense bouts of gastrointestinal reflux that cause a burning sensation in the lower esophagus that feels a lot like heartburn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s possible to treat the symptoms of GERD using OTC and prescribed medications that reduce the inflammation around the lower esophagus and limit the symptoms of GERD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other risk factors for the development of Barrett’s esophagus include white men over the age of 40-years old, as well as obese or overweight persons. People who smoke cigarettes are also prone to developing the condition.
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2.    Persistent GERD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medical science is at a loss to explain the exact cause of Barret\u2019s esophagus. However, it may have something to do with gastrointestinal issues, with the primary causative condition being GERD. Individuals experiencing long-term GERD symptoms typically have a problem with the sphincter muscle found at the end of the esophagus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The muscle contracts and releases at the wrong times and this causes a backwash of stomach acids into the lower region of the esophagus. Eating spicy foods or meals with high-fat content can exacerbate symptoms of the condition. Doctors recommend that people suffering from GERD should avoid eating late at night, and stop drinking beverages such as gassy sodas, coffee<\/a>, and tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some individuals experience symptoms of GERD for years before checking themselves into surgery to fix the lower esophageal sphincter. In some cases, persistent GERD that\u2019s left untreated develops into Barret\u2019s esophagus due to the never-ending bout of inflammation from all of the acid reflux.
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3.    Low-Grade Dysplasia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients visiting a doctor for a diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus will typically provide a tissue sample for examination by a qualified specialist. In some cases, individuals experience dysplasia, a precancerous condition where the tissue in the esophagus <\/a>begins to undergo changes that could form the start of cancerous tumors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dysplasia has three different categories;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Low-grade dysplasia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    High-grade dysplasia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Indefinite dysplasia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In low-grade dysplasia, the tissue sample reveals that there are changes to the cells in the esophagus, but they are occurring slowly, and don\u2019t involve most of the cells in the affected region. Physicians expect this form of dysplasia not to turn cancerous. If your doctor diagnoses low-grade dysplasia, they will often send the sample for a second opinion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors recommend that patients suffering from low-grade dysplasia undergo a follow-up endoscopy every six to 12-months after the initial diagnosis. If stomach acid inflames the esophagus before endoscopy, your doctor may treat you for GERD to reduce the swelling, before taking a tissue sample.
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4.    High-Grade Dysplasia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While low-grade dysplasia offers no real threat of the condition turning cancerous, those individuals diagnosed with high-grade dysplasia are at high risk of developing some form of throat cancer<\/a>. High-grade dysplasia is a signal that most of the cells in the esophagus are experiencing changes. As the pace of changes increases, there\u2019s a real risk of developing cancerous tumors in the throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your doctor diagnoses high-grade dysplasia, they may recommend a course of immediate treatment that includes radiofrequency ablation or endoscopic resection. This treatment uses the endoscopy to remove precancerous cells before they turn cancerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some doctors use \u201ccryo-therapy\u201d to freeze the affected cells in the esophagus. The physician applies a cold liquid to freeze the cells and then allows it to thaw before freezing it again. After multiple cycles, the affected cells die off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surgery is another method frequently encountered in treating Barrett’s esophagus. The surgeon removes the damaged part of the esophageal sphincter, attached the remaining tissue to the stomach.
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5.    Heartburn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This condition describes a burning sensation behind the breastbone, deep in the bottom of your throat. Pain symptoms increase after eating a meal or when lying down. People who experience heartburn symptoms more than twice a week may be affected by GERD and should visit their physician for a diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heartburn <\/a>is often confused with other cardiovascular symptoms, and may also signal the start of a heart attack. If you battle with heartburn symptoms, it may benefit you to drink an antacid formula to soothe the burning sensation. H-2-receptor antagonists, (H2RAs,) can also help people suffering from heartburn. However, due to their release time, they may take longer to provide relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals at risk of frequent heartburn or those suffering from GERD should avoid meals containing large amounts of chili or spice, as these foods can increase the chances of getting heartburn, as well as exacerbate the symptoms of the condition.
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6.    Difficulty Swallowing Food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who experience difficulty with swallowing suffer from a condition known as dysphagia<\/a>. It\u2019s a common side-effect of GERD and people with the gastrointestinal disorder may notice it occurs more frequently where their gastrointestinal symptoms peak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chronic reflux of stomach acids into the lower esophagus can scar the tissue in your throat, leading to the development of dysphagia. This scar tissue narrows the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. This scarring effect is called esophageal stricture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some affected individuals find that they can drink liquids with no issues, while they struggle to swallow food. Others may find it hard to drink fluids, but easy to eat meals, while others may not be able to consume food or liquids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors treat esophageal stricture using medications. Proton pump inhibitors, (PPIs,) are drugs that relieve the symptoms of GERD by reducing the production of stomach acid. These medications also help to heal the erosion of the esophagus due to acid reflux.
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7.    Chest Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some GERD patients complain about severe chest pain<\/a> a few hours after eating a meal. This symptom can come as quite a fright to people who have never experienced the condition beforehand. The chest pain may feel deep within the rib cage, and many first-time sufferers confuse the sensation with the onset of a heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this chest pain is not life-threatening, and the medical community refers to it as Non-cardiac chest pain \u2013 meaning that it does not occur due to damage of the heart or coronary arteries of the cardiovascular system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical science is at a loss to explain the cause of this symptom. However, some medical professionals think that this symptom is related to gaseous accumulation that can\u2019t pass through the esophageal sphincter. Instead, the gas remains trapped, where it causes discomfort and pain to affected individuals, especially when bending over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack, and if you continue to feel sensations of pain, you should visit a medical emergency room immediately.
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8.    Black, tarry, or Bloody Stools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we\u2019ve mentioned, GERD causes inflammation and scarring of the lower esophagus. Individuals dealing with severe symptoms of GERD may find that the area begins to bleed. The blood passes through the sphincter <\/a>and into the digestive system. As a result, affected individuals may discover they pass black, tarry, or bloody stools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Noticing blood in your stool is an unnerving experience that can send your mind floating off with paranoia, causing you to think that you have a plethora of things wrong with you. If the incident is isolated, then it is not any cause for concern. However, if it picks up in frequency, arrange a consultation with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the condition occurs in the lower area of the esophagus, it\u2019s rare for individuals bleeding in the area to cough up blood, but it can happen. If you notice any signs of blood in your stool or sputum, it\u2019s best to call a doctor and arrange a consultation immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Esophagitis <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This condition describes inflammation in the lining of the esophagus. The first signs of the disorder are a tight throat which makes swallowing food and liquids difficult. If left untreated, the condition can progress to the development of ulcers and scarring of the tissues in the esophagus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the esophagus experiences an infection with bacterial or viral pathogens<\/a>, it begins to exhibit symptoms of irritability that may cause slight irritation when swallowing. As the condition progresses, the pain increases and a tickle emerges that forces a dry cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Herpes virus and infection with candida fungus can spur the onset of esophagitis. Candida is also known as a yeast infection and occurs in people who have sexual contact with an infected individual, or if they have a weak immune system susceptible to disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left undiagnosed and untreated, there is a possibility that esophagitis can develop into Barret\u2019s esophagus, a precursor warning of throat cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Hiatal Hernia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This condition occurs when the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm, experience the stomach pushing up into the chest cavity, causing symptoms of tightness in the chest. Under normal circumstances, the esophagus passes through the hiatus, and the elastic tissues around the esophageal sphincter keep the stomach from forcing its way into the chest cavity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are living with a hiatal hernia<\/a> experience tearing of the esophageal sphincter, allowing for the stomach to enter the chest cavity. There are two different types of hiatal hernias; paraesophageal, (occurring next to the esophagus,) and sliding hiatal hernias. Sliding hernias are the more common type, and in this variation \u2013 the stomach and the bottom of the esophagus slide up into the chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical science is at a loss to explain the cause of this condition. However, a hiatal hernia can create irritation in the esophagus, and if left untreated, may develop into Barret\u2019s esophagus.
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11. Stomach Ulcers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A layer of sticky mucus <\/a>covers the lining of the stomach in healthy individuals. This layer protects the stomach lining from the acids that assimilate the food we eat. When an infection, imbalance, or autoimmune disorder upsets the balance of mucus to stomach acid, you run the risk of developing a stomach ulcer in the lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This painful, bloody sore may vary in size, from an inch long to a few inches in diameter. The severity of a stomach ulcer depends on the contributing factors to the development of the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle, eat too much fast food and consume large quantities of sugar in their diet run the risk of developing a stomach ulcer. Most doctors treat the condition with medication and changes to lifestyle, with very few cases requiring surgery to remove the abscess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A stomach ulcer causes the stomach to produce more acid which may enter the esophagus and cause the development of Barret\u2019s esophagus.
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12. Treating Symptoms of Barrett\u2019s Esophagus
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Once Barret\u2019s esophagus sets in, it’s challenging for physicians to reverse the condition. However, it is possible to treat the symptoms of the disorder to prevent its further spread through the esophageal tissues in the throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first part of the treatment involves changes in lifestyle <\/a>habits and behaviors. Patients are told to stop activities such as smoking and drinking alcohol to reduce inflammation in the gut. Many of the behavioral treatments are designed to prevent the occurrence of GERD symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the affected individual has their diet and lifestyle under control, doctors may recommend regular checkups to see the progress of their condition. Physicians also treat Barret\u2019s esophagus with a weight reduction diet to remove any adipose tissue and return the affected individual to Pa healthy body weight. Obese individuals place tremendous stress on their throat, and losing weight helps to reduce the fatty tissues around the neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors may also use drugs to treat Barret\u2019s esophagus. Common medications include; <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proton pumps to reduce concentrations of stomach acid, antacids, H2 blockers, and promotility agents, to improve digestion time.
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