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Barrett's esophagus is a disorder
in which the lining of the esophagus
is damaged. This damage occurs
when parts of the esophageal lining
are repeatedly exposed to stomach
acid, and are replaced by tissue
that is similar to what is found
in the intestine.
Barrett's esophagus is uncommon.
The most common risk factor for
Barrett's esophagus is long-term
gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD), though only a small percentage
of GERD patients will develop
Barrett's esophagus. However,
once Barrett's esophagus is present,
there is a greater risk of developing
esophageal cancer.
Barrett's esophagus itself does
not produce any symptoms. The
acid reflux that causes Barrett's
esophagus can have the symptoms
of heartburn.
The best treatment strategy for
Barrett's esophagus is prevention.
When a patient is diagnosed with
GERD, his/her doctors will recommend
lifestyle and diet modifications,
and possible medications, such
as antacids, proton pump inhibitors,
and H2 blockers, to control the
acid reflux.
Currently, there are no medications
that will reverse Barrett's esophagus.
Treating the underlying GERD,
however, may slow the progress
of the disease and help prevent
complications.
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