Esophagus is your food pipe. This pipe connects your mouth to your stomach. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the flat pink lining of your esophagus becomes damaged due to acid reflux. In this condition, this lining becomes slightly thick, swells and turns red.

There is a very important valve between the esophagus and the stomach, named lower esophageal sphincter. With time, this valve starts becoming weak and is not able to do its job properly, due to which acid and chemical damage starts happening in the esophagus.

To identify it, it is very important to know its causes and symptoms. So let us know about this situation. You will also know about its symptoms, causes and treatment.

Symptoms and causes

Frequent burning sensation in the chest or feeling as if the eaten food has returned to your mouth. Feeling a lot of difficulty in swallowing food. Chest pain, but this symptom is quite rare. Its main reason has not been known yet. Many experts believe that this happens due to prolonged exposure to a condition called GERD, while some experts say that some people do not feel acid reflux at all.

When should one see a doctor?

If you are experiencing symptoms like chest pain and feel that it could be a heart attack, then you should immediately consult a doctor. If you are having trouble swallowing food, you should also consult a doctor. If you are vomiting and the vomit appears red in color or feels like coffee grounds, then go to the doctor immediately. If you are losing weight without any reason then definitely go to the doctor.

What are its risk factors?

Family history: If any member of your family had this disease, your chances of getting it increases.
To be a man: The possibility of this disease is more in men than in women.
To be white: The risk of its occurrence is higher in white people or especially European people.
Age : The possibility of this disease increases in people above 50 years of age.
Being overweight: If you are overweight then you are more at risk of contracting this disease compared to thin people.
Smoking: People who have been or are currently addicted to smoking can become victims of this disease.
Heartburn: If you already have problems like acid reflux, then your chances of getting this disease increases. Even if you are taking medicines for this problem, your risk of this disease increases.

What are the complications of this disease?

The only main problem of this disease is that those who get it are at risk of getting esophageal cancer. However, this risk is less and is not seen in many people. Therefore there is no need to worry too much.

Is its treatment possible?

Your doctor will check and screen your condition to know its severity and then suggest a treatment. It is treatable and you can easily control its symptoms through medicines and lifestyle. Sometimes methods like surgery also have to be used. This is seen more in hernia patients.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.

#cancer #reason for weight loss #What causes esophageal adenocarcinoma? #What is the lower esophageal sphincter? #Why does acid reflux occur? #Why is it important to know about GERD?

This dangerous disease can occur due to Barrett’s esophagus, be careful as soon as you see these signs.

Symptoms and causes

When should one see a doctor?

What are its risk factors?

What are the complications of this disease?

Is its treatment possible?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply