About this topic
The esophagus is a tube which passes food from the mouth to the stomach. Sometimes, normal cells in the lower part of the esophagus change to a different kind of cell. This is called Barretts esophagus. It is most often caused by acid reflux which happens when the contents of the belly leak into the food pipe. This leaking can irritate the food pipe. If you have acid reflux, your doctor will also check to see if you have Barrett's esophagus. These abnormal cells could turn into precancer or cancer of the esophagus. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all drugs as ordered by your doctor. Drink lots of water when taking your drugs.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Avoid stress.
- Avoid belts and clothing that are too tight.
- Eat small meals more often. Do not skip meals. Do not eat large meals to make up for missed meals.
- Avoid eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
- Avoid foods that cause you to have heartburn.
- Do not to lie down for at least 2 hours after eating.
- Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches. Use wooden blocks under the head of the bed. Just sleeping with your head raised on pillows is not enough.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Do not smoke.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Relieve heartburn
- Prevent reflux
- Lessen acid production
- Heal the esophageal lining
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activities will not be limited. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Limit caffeine intake.
- Avoid eating oranges, berries, tomatoes, and other foods high in acid.
- Eat only small amounts of spicy, fatty, and fried foods, or avoid them altogether.
What problems could happen?
- Precancerous changes in the food pipe
- Higher risk of cancer of the food pipe
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Eat a healthy diet. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
- If you weigh too much, lose weight.
- If you are a smoker, stop smoking.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pain or a feeling of food getting stuck in your throat
- Throwing up often or throwing up fluid that looks like blood or coffee grounds
- Pain in the neck, chest, or back
- Very bad heartburn that lasts for a long time
- Cough, hoarse voice, or bad breath
- Wheezing, shortness of breath or other problems breathing
- Unintended weight loss or not wanting to eat
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I can do to help my acid reflux.
- I can tell you what I will do if I feel like I have food stuck in my throat; pain in my neck, chest, or back; or have trouble breathing.
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/barretts/ ‚
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons ‚
http://www.sts.org/patient-information/esophageal-surgery/barretts-esophagus ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚