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Dr. Greenwald’s Bio | Q&A Archive
Barrett's esophagus is a gastrointestinal disorder in which the lining of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach) is damaged by stomach acid that leaks backward.
See also: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Irritation of the lining of the esophagus by stomach acid can lead to Barrett's esophagus. The irritation is caused by stomach acid that leaks and moves back up the gastrointestinal tract. This is commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and it can cause heartburn.
Barrett's esophagus is more common in men than women. You have a greater risk for this condition if you have frequent and long-standing GERD.
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Wang, K K and Sampliner, R E. Updated guidelines 2008 for the diagnosis, surveillance and therapy of Barrett's esophagus. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008;103(3): 788-97.