What is Barrett's esophagus?
Barrett's esophagus is a relatively quiet, unusual disease that can be the forerunner of several serious conditions. Although it can be developed by anyone, those who are at higher risk are men, Caucasters, Hispanics and seniors. One of the ten people who experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) will develop Barrett's esophagus. The stem (flat) esophageal cells are turned into column (column) cells. Of the three types of column cells that can develop in the esophagus, one is recognized as those found in the small intestine. This particular type of intestinal cell is known as the Barrett esophagus and has the potential to develop on cancer.
Although there is speculation why Barrett's esophagus develops in these column cells, most of the scientists believe that damaged spinoceillary cells are caused. Reflux of chronic acid or its successor, Gerd, produces stomach acids that burn the esophagus lining. This transformation is started during healing and newCells show columnar properties.
sphinter muscles at the intersection of the esophagus and stomach keeps acids in the stomach to spend food. The celebrated Cushioner or hiatus hernia allows these acids to pay to the esophagus. Based on genetics, some people are prone to the state. With a lifestyle and the acidic diet of Western civilization, many have experienced burning in our society. GERD is a more complicated condition that causes these acids to permissions more consistently into the esophagus, leading to tissue damage.
GERD symptoms include excessive reflux of acid, belching, cough, swallowing problems, chronic heartburn, regurgitation, sore throat, hoarse and respiratory problems. This chronic regurgitation of acids into the lower esophagus is what reveals tissues. It is recommended to seek medical advice if any of these symptoms become permanent for a longer period of time.
Barrett's esophagus has no subjectiveSymptoms. The only way to diagnose the condition correctly is the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The esophagus and stomach lining is observed by inserting a flexible telescope into the esophagus. A biopsy is taken for the examination to confirm this. Through endoscopy, the verification is also performed by the visual salmon of the red appearance of the esophagus, which is usually a light pink color.
People with the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus have a higher than the average risk of esophageal cancer. That is why it is important to explore the possibility if the patient has a chronic GERD or other complications from acidic reflux. It is recommended that the sundoscopy of the rveillance is repeated with one to three -year intervals.
Most patients diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus are treated for sour reflux or GERD. These treatments do not turn off column cells, but will help prevent further erosion of healthy tissue. At the beginning of 2000, experimental treatment began to burn these column cells by laser surgeryIn the hope that the healing process reverse the cells back to their original state.
Home treatment of Barrett's esophagus includes changes in lifestyle and diet. Gaining weight, smoking cessation, consumption of smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding sour food that triggers heartburn, finding good antacids or herbal drug that releases your sour reflux, increases sleep, avoiding or reducing free clothing.
Most people who have Barrett's esophagus and gerd require a free -ease that are more aggressive. Prescription drugs, surgery for tightening the sphincter, laser surgery of damaged tissue or partial or complete removal of the esophagus is the final option. In extreme cases where the patient shows a high degree of abnormal cells (dysplasia), it is recommended to remove the esophagus. If high levels of dysplasia are detected, it may be a sign of tOho that cancer is already present.