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Barrett's Esophagus

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Barrett's Esophagus

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.

Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order

* Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Pronounced - GAH-stroh-eh-SAW-fuh-JEE-ul REE-fluks duh-zeez
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the flow of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus. Happens when the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is weak or relaxes when it shouldn't. May cause esophagitis. Also called esophageal reflux or reflux esophagitis. More about GERD.

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References:
digestive.niddk.nih.gov

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