Barrett’s Esophagus – PointFinder Health Infographics

Barrett's esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus

Patients with chronic acid reflux should take steps to control the problem. They should also receive periodic endoscopic examinations to check for Barrett’s. If diagnosed with Barrett’s, the condition should be monitored for signs of adenocarcinoma. Treatments for Barrett’s include control of reflux, combined with surgical removal of the affected section or ablation (destruction) of the affected tissues. Heat treatment is one form of ablation. In another, the patient receives a drug that makes the lining light-sensitive, after which a special light is placed in the esophagus, destroying the sensitized lining.

In Barrett’s, stomach acid eats away the lining of the esophagus, and the damaged cells are replaced by ones more like the acid-resistant cells that line the stomach. This may sound like a good thing, given the stomach acid. However, in a small but significant portion of people with Barrett’s, the cells can become cancerous, leading to adenocarcinoma. Acid reflux – where the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus – is very common and is usually a minor problem. Often transitory, it only causes the discomfort of heartburn. Frequent or chronic reflux can causes more serious problems, including inflammation, ulcers, narrowing of the esophagus and a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. Stomach

LABELS:
Esophagus Barrett’s esophagus as seen through an endoscope

Text and illustrations by Kevin T. Boyd

Acupressure for reflux sufferers
Here are lists of acupressure points for Abdomen, Upper, Heartburn, Peptic Ulcer, Stomach ache and Vomiting on PointFinder.org.
If this is your first time, please read the instructions. Don’t use acupressure to replace standard emergency procedures or licensed medical treatment. If you are seriously injured or have acute symptoms seek urgent medical treatment.