The exact causes of Barrett’s esophagus are not known, but it is thought to be caused in part by the same factors that cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although people who do not have heartburn can have Barrett’s esophagus, it is found about three to five times more often in people with this condition.

Barrett’s esophagus is uncommon in children. The average age at diagnosis is 60, but it is usually difficult to determine when the problem started. It is about twice as common in men as in women and much more common in white men than in men of other races.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), pronounced – GAH-stroh-eh-SAW-fuh-JEE-ul REE-fluks duh-zeez, is the flow of the stomach’s contents back up into the esophagus. This happens when the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t. GERD can also be called esophageal reflux or reflux esophagitis. GERD may cause esophagitis.

Having liquids or gas occasionally reflux is considered normal. This is not necessarily a serious problem or one that requires seeing a physician. When it happens frequently and causes other symptoms, particularly when not trying to belch, then it is considered a medical problem or disease.

The stomach produces acid and enzymes to digest food, and when this mixture refluxes into the esophagus more frequently than normal or for a longer period of time than normal, it may produce symptoms. These symptoms, often called acid reflux, are usually described by people as heartburn, indigestion, or “gas.” The symptoms typically consist of a burning sensation below and behind the lower part of the breastbone or sternum.

Almost everyone has experienced these symptoms at least once, typically as a result of overeating. Other things that provoke gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms include being overweight (check out the Body Mass Index Calculator to see if you are at a normal weight), eating certain types of foods, or being pregnant. In most people, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms may last only a short time and require no treatment at all. More persistent symptoms are often quickly relieved by over-the-counter acid reducing agents such as antacids.

Common Antacids

• Alka Seltzer
• Maalox
• Mylanta
• Pepto Bismol
• Riopan
• Rolaids

Other drugs used to relieve gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms are antisecretory drugs such as histamine2 (H2) blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Common H2 Blockers

• Cimetidine – Tagamet HB
• Famotidine – Pepcid AC
• Nizatidine – Axid AR
• Ranitidine – Zantac 75

Common Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• Esomeprazole – Nexium
• Lansoprazole – Prevacid
• Omeprazole – Prilosec
• Pantoprazole – Protonix
• Rabeprazole – Aciphex

People who have symptoms frequently should consult a physician. Other diseases can have similar symptoms, and prescription medications in combination with other measures might be needed to reduce reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that is untreated over a long period can lead to complications, such as an ulcer in the esophagus that could cause bleeding. Another common complication is scar tissue that blocks the movement of swallowed food and drink through the esophagus; this condition is called stricture.

Esophageal reflux may also cause certain less common symptoms, such as hoarseness or chronic (lasting a long time) cough, and sometimes provokes conditions such as * asthma. While most people find that lifestyle modifications and acid-blocking drugs relieve their symptoms, doctors occasionally recommend surgery. Overall, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common medical conditions. Some 20 percent of the population can be affected over a lifetime.

* Asthma – Pronounced – AZ-muh
A lung disorder that affects your airways. When the airways are inflamed, a person may wheeze, feel short of breath, cough, and feel tightness in the chest.

Source: digestive.niddk.nih.gov – July 2008