Barrett's Esophagus in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is Barrett's esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus is connected with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease is present if the regular tissue in your esophagus shifts to mirror the cells in your intestines. Even though the likelihood of cancer of the esophagus rises among people who have Barrett’s esophagus, the outlook of having cancer from this condition is less than 1%. In the event that you deal with gastroesophageal reflux disease, then we encourage you to schedule recurring visits with a Baton Rouge, LA GI specialist who can oversee your condition and watch for indications of Barrett's esophagus. Contact your nearest Gastroenterology Associates location to get started.
Who gets Barrett’s esophagus?
The prime reason for Barrett’s esophagus is long-term, overlooked GERD. GERD won't necessarily develop into Barrett’s esophagus, but if the acid reflux is left unmanaged, over the years, someone might experience Barrett’s. Signals of greater risk for Barrett's esophagus include:
- Being Caucasian
- Genetics
- Being a male
- Those with extra stomach fat
- Currently smoking or having a history of smoking
- Being over age 50
What are the symptoms of Barrett's esophagus?
Most people do not have symptoms when they develop Barrett’s esophagus. When you have had acid reflux or other forms of GI trouble for a while, our Gastroenterology Associates providers advise scheduling routine appointments with a gastro specialist. The only sure way to establish if you have this condition is to have a front-end GI scope performed to examine the tissue in your esophagus.
Common indicators accompanying Barrett’s esophagus:
- Trouble swallowing
- Chest pain (not as common)
- Daily heartburn (acid reflux)
What are the treatments for Barrett’s esophagus?
The approach to treating Barrett’s esophagus differs from other gastrointestinal conditions. The form of treatment you receive is based on the measure of precancerous cells, known as dysplasia, existing in the esophagus lining.
The various phases of dysplasia (atypical tissue growth) and standard therapies are:
- No dysplasia: Despite the fact that no abnormal cells are present, it is still essential to set up routine endoscopy tests with your gastroenterologist to look for alterations to the cells in the esophagus. Your GI provider will also most likely recommend treatments much like those associated with GERD (like lifestyle alterations or medication).
- Low-grade dysplasia: With a low level of abnormal tissue growth, you may expect to have endoscopic mucosal resection or RF (radiofrequency) ablation for therapy.
- Severe dysplasia: With a larger level of precancerous tissue, cryotherapy, light-based treatments, or surgery could be needed.
Help and hope for Barrett's esophagus
If you have persistent heartburn, then disregarding your condition can bring about Barrett's esophagus. This serious but repairable issue can be identified and addressed by an experienced gastrointestinal doctor. If you want to speak with a GI specialist who can work alongside you to manage GERD or Barrett's esophagus, please get in touch with the team at Gastroenterology Associates. As a best-in-class network of gastroenterologists, Gastroenterology Associates offers state-of-the-art treatment for issues like Barrett's esophagus. Get in touch with one of our Baton Rouge, LA locations to find your specialist in digestive wellness now.
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