$Unique_ID{BRK01132}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Just What is "Barrett's Esophagus"?}
$Subject{esophagitis swallow swallowing Barrett's Esophagus Digestive
esophagitis-peptic peptic ulcer ulcers reflux stomach acid acids}
$Volume{I-10}
$Log{
Ulcers of the Digestive System*0005801.scf
Peptic Ulcers*0005802.scf
Hiatal Hernia with Esophagitis*0008802.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Just What is "Barrett's Esophagus"?


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QUESTION:  After a thyroidectomy I had difficulty swallowing.  A barium
swallow led to the diagnosis of "Barrett's esophagus".  Although I have many
questions, I guess I am just asking you for a description of Barrets.  Just
what is it?

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ANSWER:  The name is derived from the British surgeon who first described the
condition in 1950.  It is also called "esophagitis-peptic ulcer" for it is the
combination of a peptic ulcer and an inflammation of the esophagus called
esophagitis.  It results from chronic reflux, or back up of stomach acids into
the esophagus.  The barium swallow is very useful in diagnosing such an ulcer,
and it can also been seen as an ulcer surrounded by swollen tissue when a
esophagoscope is used.  It is most commonly found in individuals at or past
middle age, and can cause not only discomfort when swallowing but heartburn
and pain that can radiate to the back, neck and both arms.  It can be treated
medically with medications that reduce or absorb the stomach acids.  Taking
the prescribed medications religiously is important to both help the healing
and reduce the pain and discomfort.  It is a condition which requires regular
follow up care, and when the situation changes or does not improve, may
require a surgical procedure to put things right.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.