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Barrett's Esophagus

Contents of this Article

Points to Remember

• In Barrett's esophagus, the cells lining the esophagus change and become similar to the cells lining the intestine
• Barrett's esophagus is associated with * gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• A small number of people with Barrett's esophagus may develop esophageal cancer

• Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy
• People who have Barrett's esophagus should have periodic esophageal examinations
• Taking acid blocking drugs for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may result in improvements in Barrett's esophagus
• Removal of the esophagus is recommended only for people who have a high risk of developing cancer or who already have it

Hope Through Research

Many important questions about Barrett's esophagus need further research to:

• Find better ways to identify people who have the problem
• Find out what causes it
• Test treatments that may prevent or eliminate it
• Find better treatments for people who have Barrett's esophagus with cancer

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Cancer Institute sponsor research programs to investigate Barrett's esophagus.

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.

For More Information About Barrett's Esophagus

Additional Resources and References:
For more information about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or Barrett's esophagus, contact:

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) Inc.
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Phone: 1-888-964-2001 or (414) 964-1799
Fax: (414) 964-7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.iffgd.org

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
National Institutes of Health
31 Center Drive
Building 31, Room 10A-19
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: (301) 496-6641
Fax: (301) 496-0846
Internet: www.nci.nih.gov

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov

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References:
digestive.niddk.nih.gov

The information discussed above is a general overview and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.