Treatment:

Treatment may be important even if you do not feel any symptoms.

Lifestyle changes include:

• Avoiding dietary fat, chocolate, caffeine, and peppermint because they may cause lower esophageal pressure and allow stomach acid to flow backwards
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
• Avoiding lying down after meals
• Losing weight
• Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated
• Taking all medications with plenty of water

Medications to relieve symptoms and control gastroesophageal reflux include:

• Antacids after meals and at bedtime
• Cholinergic agents
• Histamine H2 receptor blockers
• Promotility agents
• Proton pump inhibitors

Surgery to remove a portion of the esophagus may be recommended, if a biopsy shows cell changes that tend to lead to cancer. Such changes are called dysplasia.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an option that may allow you to avoid surgery. PDT involves the use of a special laser device, called an esophageal balloon, along with a drug called Photofrin. Together, the laser balloon and medication lead to destruction of the abnormal cells lining the esophagus, without affecting the normal tissue.

Expectations (prognosis):

An increased risk of esophageal cancer is present. Follow-up endoscopy to look for dysplasia or cancer is often advised.

Complications:

Persons with this condition havean increased risk for esophageal cancer. If cancer develops, symptoms may include difficulty swallowing or weight loss. See: Esophageal cancer

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if heartburn persists for longer than a few days, or you have pain or difficulty swallowing.

Call your provider if you have been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus and your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.