Barrett's Esophagus
Page 1Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and saliva from the mouth to the stomach, changes so that some of its lining is replaced by a type of tissue similar to that normally found in the intestine. This process is called intestinal metaplasia.
While Barrett's esophagus may cause no symptoms itself, a small number of people with this condition develop a relatively rare but often deadly type of cancer of the esophagus called esophageal adenocarcinoma. Barrett's esophagus is estimated to affect about 700,000 adults in the United States. It is associated with the very common condition gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Normal Function of the Esophagus
The esophagus seems to have only one important function in the body--to carry food, liquids, and saliva from the mouth to the stomach. The stomach then acts as a container to start digestion and pump food and liquids into the intestines in a controlled process. Food can then be properly digested over time, and nutrients can be absorbed by the intestines.
The esophagus transports food to the stomach by coordinated contractions of its muscular lining. This process is automatic and people are usually not aware of it. Many people have felt their esophagus when they swallow something too large, try to eat too quickly, or drink very hot or very cold liquids. They then feel the movement of the food or drink down the esophagus into the stomach, which may be an uncomfortable sensation.
Digestive tract
Page 1 Barrett's Esophagus
Page 2 Barrett's Esophagus
Page 3 Barrett's Esophagus
Page 4 Barrett's Esophagus
Page 5 Barrett's Esophagus
Page 6 Barrett's Esophagus - Conclusion
| Proton Pump Inhibitors |
Aciphex - Rabeprazole
Prevacid - Lansoprazole
Prilosec - Omeprazole
Prilosec OCT
Protonix - Pantoprazole
| GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease |
Causes of GERD
Diet for GERD
Infant GERD
Children 1 - 11 Years Old
Medication for GERD
Symptoms of GERD
GERD Surgery
GERD Treatment
| Heartburn |
Causes of Heartburn
Symptoms of Heartburn
Heartburn Medications
Heartburn Remedy
| Articles |
Lump In Throat
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Remedies for GERD
| Partners |
Hair Removal
HGH