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What is Barrett’s Disease?
Barrett’s esophagus is the mutation of the typical and normal esophageal epithelium into a different one that is more similar to that of the stomach. In the body, the epithelia are the specialized cells that line the entire gastrointestinal tract. Based on the specific functions they carry out they vary from one location to another. For instance, the epithelium in the stomach is the columnar epithelium compared to the stratified squamous epithelial layer found in the esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is an inflammatory disorder that happens over an extended period, and it affects the lower region of the esophagus. Imagine that the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach just at the terminal part which leads to the stomach has a severe anomaly.
In the United States, the most basic predisposing factors for cancer of the esophagus arise when an individual is taking tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Every one of these factors creates a higher risk of esophageal cancer, which is mostly preceded by Barrett’s esophagus. The condition is worsened if there are more than one of these risk factors in a patient. Abstinence from smoking and drinking alcohol is efficient in avoiding esophageal cancer when compared to other methods. Maintaining a balanced diet and the appropriate body mass index is as crucial. An eating regimen that is rich in fruits containing vitamins and minerals, and the addition of vegetables to one’s diet, may help prevent Barrett esophagus or esophageal cancer altogether. Obesity has been connected with Barrett’s esophagus, so maintain an average weight for your age and height, as it assists in avoiding the danger of this sickness.
Barrett’s Esophagus Prevention and Treatment
The best methods for the effective preventive actions against Barrett’s esophagus are both a proper lifestyle and appropriate medication for GERD. One of the leading medications that can be used are the proton pump inhibitors (PPI). As soon as GERD is diagnosed then it should be treated to protect the individual from Barrett’s esophagus. The useful tips for preventing Barrett’s esophagus include:
• Watching one’s weight
• Using orthopedic bed and pillows to elevate the head to avoid reflux
• Avoiding late night meals
• Stop consuming trigger substances, for example, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol
• PPI for GERD management
• Quit smoking
• Eating small meals frequently
• Avoid lying down until three hours after a meal
• Inculcate a fitness regime
Medical Therapy
Physicians often prescribe drugs that alleviate acidity in the stomach. These prescriptions decrease the amount of acid that gets back into the esophagus, in this way lessening the occurrence of heartburn. In any case, no empirical studies recommend that taking these drugs will hinder the progression of Barrett’s esophagus to esophageal cancer.
Anti-Reflux Surgery
In a situation that lifestyle changes or medicines do not avert the acid reflux, you may profit from a medical intervention called fundoplication. This procedure helps to expand the lower esophageal sphincter to counteract indigestion. You will be referred to surgeons that are highly trained and experienced in laparoscopic surgery through tiny entry points, making it minimally invasive. The recovery time is fast, and patients are back to their normal activity level in about a couple of weeks. Using drugs for a long period to control GERD is generally not required after this kind of medical procedure.
Radiofrequency-Ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is another medical procedure that is safe to fight Barrett’s esophagus. It ablates the abnormal epithelium that lines the esophagus using the heat generated from a medium frequency of about 350 to 500 kHz alternating current. RFA is efficacious in taking out the esophageal mutations in more than 80% of the individuals that undergo the procedure. Following RFA, you should keep on controlling GERD with the goal that typical cells can grow back in the esophagus. It is vital for the relapse of Barrett’s esophagus to be prevented.
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
Endoscopy is performed, and portions of the mucosa are resected to test for the presence of any form of malignancy. The biopsy is conducted with the use of an endoscope, whereby the physician removes a part of the mucosa affected and sends it to the lab to be examined in order to determine the presence of malignant cells.
Cancer Surgery
In the event that cancer cells are present alongside Barrett’s esophagus, esophagectomy is performed.
Living with Barrett’s Esophagus
The major challenge that people living with Barrett’s esophagus face is the fact that there are a few or no symptoms that indicate that they have the disease. This makes it difficult to detect, but people with GERD are more likely to have Barrett’s esophagus. However, not everyone with Barrett’s esophagus has GERD, making it a very challenging disease to spot during its development. Although this does not mean that it cannot be identified, if one does regular checkup and endoscopy to check for cancer and other abnormalities, it can be detected earlier and treated. Treatment of Barrett’s esophagus is also possible and can easily be done by trained healthcare professionals.
Barrett’s esophagus is often mentioned in relation to esophageal cancer. Therefore, one should not take the disorder with levity. Furthermore, the case of malignancy and development of cancer from Barrett’s esophagus is more common in men over the age of 50. Hence, being diagnosed with this disease is not fatal, especially when managed correctly. So, book an appointment with a physician as early as you detect frequent acid reflux or constant burning sensation in the chest. It is always better to get these things checked out rather than assuming that they are something simple. In addition, the benefit of getting checked by a doctor is that other medical conditions can even be revealed while you are there, and that can be taken care of immediately.
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References
Barrett’s Esophagus is fully preventable and treatable. The Heartburn Center of South Texas has treatment options. (2015). Retrieved from http://heartburnmd.com/barretts-esophagus-prevention-treatment/
DeVault KR, Castell DO, American College of Gastroenterology (2005). “Updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.”. Am J Gastroenterol. 100 (1): 190–200. PMID 15654800. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.41217.x.
Kaltenbach, Tonya; Crockett, Seth; Gerson, Lauren B. (2006). “Are Lifestyle Measures Effective in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?”. Archives of Internal Medicine. 166 (9): 965. ISSN 0003-9926. doi:10.1001/archinte.166.9.965.
Spechler SJ, Sharma P, Souza RF, Inadomi JM, Shaheen NJ (2011). “American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement on the management of Barrett’s esophagus”. Gastroenterology. 140 (3): 1084–91. PMID 21376940. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2011.01.030.
