Esophagitis is an abnormal change in the cells of the lower part of the esophagus. It is also called Barrett's syndrome or columnar epithelium-lined lower esophagus (CELLO). . Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed when goblet cells found beneath the gastrointestinal cells replace the normal squamous epithelial lining of the esophagus. Barrett's esophagus, which is the biggest risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), a type of cancer, affects more than 3 million Americans and is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States, according to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA).
After you finish eating, your food passes into your stomach through your throat, also called the food pipe or swallowing tube, through the esophagus. There will be some stomach acid production. The ring of muscle prevents it from leaking back into your esophagus once your food is in your stomach. But stomach acid can leak back into the esophagus if the muscles don't close tightly. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux causes heartburn symptoms and also damages the lining of the esophagus. Reflux changes the cells of the esophagus into cells similar to the cells of the stomach causing Barrett's esophagus. If a patient develops Barrett's esophagus and the disease progresses, the cells can turn into dysplasia. The presence of dysplasia indicates a precancerous condition.
Barrett's esophagus is primarily caused by adaptation to chronic acid exposure from reflux esophagitis. It is caused by chronic inflammation. Increased risk factors for Barrett's esophagus are also described as the difference in fat distribution between men and women. This type of disease has been found in 5-15% of patients who seek medical attention for heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes chronic inflammation. In this disease, the acidic stomach, bile, small intestine and pancreatic contents cause damage to the cells of the lower esophagus. Among them, 0.5% per patient-year has a higher risk of esophageal cancer, especially adenocarcinoma. If you have had GERD for a long time, you are more likely to have this condition. Current risk factors are male sex, Caucasian race, and the presence of duodenogastroesophageal reflux disease. Obesity can also play a role, and it is recommended to lose weight if you are overweight.
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