by Barrett’s oesophagus is a condition where the lining of the esophagus is damaged and replaced by abnormal cells that could potentially lead to cancer of the esophagus. It mainly occurs due to chronic acid reflux damage. The main causes and risk factors that can lead to the development of Barrett’s oesophagus are explored below.
Causes of Barrett’s oesophagus
The primary cause of Barrett’s oesophagus is chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux. GERD occurs when stomach acids and juices wash back up into the esophagus in abnormal amounts. This can damage the protective lining of the esophagus over time. Other causes include excessive alcohol consumption, obesity and smoking. These behaviors can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to easily flow back up. Hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest, can also cause persistent acid reflux. This chronic damage to the esophageal lining leads to Barrett’s oesophagus.
Risk factors
There are certain risk factors that increase the chances of developing Barrett’s oesophagus:
– Chronic GERD patients, especially those who have had symptoms for over 5-10 years, have the highest risk.
– Obesity, as excess weight around the waist puts pressure on the stomach, increasing acid reflux risk.
– Caucasian men over 50 years of age are also at higher risk compared to other groups.
– Heavy alcohol consumption inflames and relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter similarly to GERD symptoms.
– Smoking (current or former) alters the protective mechanisms of the esophagus, allowing it to get damaged more easily.
Diagnosing Barrett’s oesophagus
Patients typically don’t experience noticeable symptoms specific to Barrett’s Esophagus . Many are diagnosed during tests for chronic acid reflux symptoms or other digestive issues. Key diagnostic tests include:
– Upper endoscopy – The gold standard where a thin, lighted tube analyzes the esophagus lining visually for abnormal cell changes. Small biopsy samples are also taken for lab analysis.
– pH monitoring – Measures acid levels in the esophagus over 24-48 hours to check for abnormal acid reflux episodes causing damage.
– Esophageal manometry – Checks how well the esophagus and sphincters are working to determine underlying causes like hiatal hernia.
– Biopsies – Examines tissue samples under a microscope to detect intestinal-type cells, confirming a Barrett’s diagnosis. This should be followed by regular surveillance endoscopies.
Treatment and management of Barrett’s Esophagus Industry
The main treatment goals are to reduce acid reflux symptoms, prevent further esophageal damage from occurring, and closely monitor any abnormal cell changes. Lifestyle modifications like weight loss and diet play a significant role. Medications that reduce stomach acid production are also prescribed long term. Some treatment options include:
– Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – Reduces acid levels highly effectively when taken daily as prescribed. Helps heal inflammation and prevent new damage.
– H2 blockers – Alternative medication that suppresses stomach acid if PPIs aren’t effective enough.
– Surgery – For persistent reflux despite medications, a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication procedure may be recommended to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter barrier.
– Radiofrequency ablation – A minimally invasive technique using energy beams to destroy abnormal Barrett’s cells and prevent cancer development. Usually requires multiple treatments.
– Endoscopic mucosal resection – Removes specific visible lesions during endoscopy if pre-cancerous changes are detected. Followed by long-term surveillance.
Barrett’s oesophagus itself isn’t cancerous, it increases the chances of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, a highly aggressive cancer with poor survival rates. Regular monitoring endoscopies every 3-5 years are important for early cancer detection and treatment in high-risk patients. With proper ongoing treatment and lifestyle modifications, most people can successfully manage their condition.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
