q - Augusta Health

arrett’s
esophagus
learn more about this serious
gerd complication
many people have heard of gerd (gaStroeSophageal
reflux diSeaSe) and know that frequent heartburn iS itS
moSt common Symptom. gErD can be chalked up to weakened
muscles in the digestive tract that allow stomach acid to
leak back into the esophagus.
But what you may not know is that over time, gErD can
cause serious complications—including Barrett’s esophagus.
According to the American Cancer Society,
people with this condition have 30 to
125 times the risk of developing esophageal
cancer than those who don’t.
“Barrett’s esophagus aff ects 1 percent
of adults in the United States,” says Paul
Paul guaRinO, M.D.
guarino, M.D., a gastroenterologist at
24 HealthMatters Spring 2011
Augusta Health gastroenterology. “People most at risk include
those with gErD, those over the age of 50, those who are
obese, those who have a hiatal hernia and those who are
male.” Of people with Barrett’s esophagus, 1 in 200 develop
esophageal cancer each year, Dr. guarino says. That’s because
constant exposure to stomach acid damages the esophagus’
lining, which can trigger precancerous cell changes.
Do i have barrett’s esophagus?
"Aside from acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus has no symptoms,"
Dr. guarino says. It can only be diagnosed with an
upper endoscopy, a procedure which examines the esophagus.
If needed, during the endoscopy, a tissue sample
can also be taken to be analyzed for abnormalities; small
cancers may also be removed.
Treatment for Barrett’s esophagus includes acidsuppressing
medications such as proton pump inhibitors
(PPIs) and monitoring of the condition. To keep an eye on
any changes, an upper endoscopy is recommended every
one to three years for people who have been diagnosed
with the condition, Dr. guarino says. Many experts also
recommend that everyone over age 40 who suffers from
chronic acid reflux get an upper endoscopy to check for
any abnormal changes.
tips to reduce
acid refl ux
Avoid trigger foods, including chocolate, fatty foods,
caff eine, tomatoes, citrus fruits, spicy foods, mint
and alcohol.
Maintain a normal weight.
Avoid big meals and meals
eaten later at night.
Eat slowly.
Don’t use tobacco.
Wear looser-fi tting clothes.
stop heartburn in its tracks!
make an appointment with paul guarino, m.d.,
by calling (540) 245-7350 in Staunton or
(540) 221-7350 in waynesboro.