INFORMATION ON BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS:-

Barrett's esophagus is a stage in which the esophagus (the muscular tube that carries food and saliva from the mouth to the stomach) changes so that some of its lining is replaced by a type of tissue similar to that found inside of intestine.

Barrett's esophagus is an episode that develops in some people who suffer from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or inflammation of the esophagus.

Person suffering from heart burn for more than 5 year may be subject of Barrett’s esophagus.

CAUSES OF BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS:-

Most physicians believe that the damage to the squamous mucosa leads to the development of Barrett's esophagus. It is result of chronic reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. It is likely that some people are infected to Barrett's esophagus based on their genetic make-up.


SYNOMS OF BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS:-

1. Barrett ulcer.
2. BE.
3. Chronic peptic ulcer.
4. Esophagitis peptic ulcer.


SYMPTOMS OF BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS :-

1. Waking during night due to heart burn.
2. Vomiting blood in vomit or stool.
3. Swallowing gets difficult.

Some people do not have symptoms.

DIAGNOSIS OF BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS:-

Diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus includes biopsies of tissues & endoscopy.


PREVENTION OF BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS:-

There are two methods of prevention of Barrett’s esophagus:-

1. Medicinal treatment.
2. Operational treatment.


MEDICINAL TREATMENT OF BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS:-

Medicinal treatment of Barrett’s esophagus includes the use of drugs in order to block the production of acid in order to relive irritating tissue.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) such as omeprazole (prilosec), lansoprazole (prevacid), rabeprazole.

Doctors sometimes prescribe drugs like H-2-receptor blockers in order to treat GERD and Barrett's esophagus. These drugs are weaker then PPI.

OPERATIONAL TREATMENT OF BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS:-

Anti reflux surgery (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication) is helpful in the treatment of GERD & Barrett’s esophagus.

If a subject suffers from esophagial cancer or Barrett’s esophagus doctor suggest complete removal of esophagus in this case subject may loose upto 20 pounds of weight after surgery.