Heartburn. That burning sensation in your chest after a spicy meal or late-night snack. Most of us have experienced it at some point. Often, it’s a minor inconvenience easily remedied with an antacid. But for some, frequent heartburn could be a sign of something more serious: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and potentially, Barrett’s Esophagus.
GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back up into the esophagus, the tube carrying food from your mouth to your stomach. This chronic acid reflux irritates the esophageal lining, causing inflammation and discomfort. While many manage GERD with lifestyle changes and medication, a small percentage develop Barrett’s Esophagus.
Barrett’s Esophagus develops when the lining of the esophagus changes to resemble that of the intestine. This transformation is a consequence of chronic exposure to the harsh stomach acid and bile that refluxes through a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (the valve between the esophagus and stomach). While the stomach is designed to withstand an acidic environment, the esophagus is more delicate. When the lining is repeatedly exposed to stomach acid, it becomes inflamed. Persistent inflammation triggers a reaction, where the esophagus cells are repaired with cells normally found in the intestine, which are more resistant to acid damage. This new lining is more resistant to acid, but it also increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
While the exact reasons why some GERD sufferers develop Barrett’s Esophagus and others don’t remain unclear, several risk factors have been identified:
-Chronic GERD: Most individuals with Barrett’s Esophagus have a history of long-standing GERD.
-Male sex: Men are more prone to developing Barrett’s Esophagus than women.
-Ethnicity/Race: Barrett’s Esophagus is most common in white populations, less common in Hispanic populations and uncommon in Asian and Black populations.
-Age over 50: The risk increases with age.
-Central obesity: Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, is a contributing factor.
-Smoking and drinking: The more a person uses tobacco or alcohol and the longer it is used, the higher the risk.
-Family history: Having an immediate relative (parent, sibling, child) with Barrett’s Esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma significantly increases your risk.
“If you have any of the risk factors, especially long-term acid reflux symptoms, endoscopy may be considered to screen for Barrett’s Esophagus,” says Karina Fatakhova, MD, Mather Medical Group Gastroenterologist. It’s important to note that many individuals with Barrett’s Esophagus experience no symptoms at all. This underscores the importance of regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you have chronic GERD.
Managing GERD effectively is crucial for minimizing the risk of developing Barrett’s Esophagus. Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking and drinking can significantly improve symptoms.
Early detection is key when it comes to Barrett’s Esophagus. By understanding the signs and symptoms beyond heartburn and seeking timely medical attention, you can take proactive steps to manage your health and reduce your risk of complications.
Resources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4419061/
https://castlebiosciences.com/patient-information/gastroenterology/barretts-esophagus/overview
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146619
