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Treatment for Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition in which stomach acid changes the appearance of cells in the esophagus, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is commonly found in people who are suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and it is often treated in a similar manner to those suffering from that disease.

  1. Medications

    • Physicians often prescribe medications to reduce symptoms of Barrett's esophagus. These drugs include proton pump inhibitors, such as cimetidine or famotidine, and histamine H2 receptor blockers, such as omeprazole, pantoprazole or esomeprazole, according to an article by Bhupinder Anand and Wilfred Weinstein on medicinenet.com.

    Surgery

    • During surgery for Barrett's esophagus, a doctor removes a part of a patient's esophagus, according to the Mayo Clinic. This procedure is generally done on patients who are at risk for developing a type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Photodynamic Therapy

    • During photodynamic therapy, a physician uses the drug Photofrin and a laser device to kill damaged tissue in the esophagus, according to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

    Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

    • An endoscopic mucosal resection is a procedure in which a physician uses a device called an endoscope to remove damaged tissue in the esophagus, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • According the U.S. National Library of Medicine, people can often reduce symptoms of Barrett's esophagus by reducing fat, caffeine and peppermint in their diet; ceasing consumption of alcohol and/or tobacco products; and exercising regularly and/or losing weight.

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