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A 39-year-old male asked:
can barrett's esophagus be prevented if you have gerd?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Juchau answered
Family Medicine 33 years experience
Barretts Esophagitis: By controlling the GERD by using proton pump inhibitor (PPI's) or if very severe by surgery we hope to prevent the acid from hitting the esophagus. This should prevent the occurrence of Barrett's in most cases. If you have Barrett's you need to have it followed by serial EGD's.
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Dr. Ujjala Kumar answered
Internal Medicine 15 years experience
Yes: with proper lifestyle modifications and medications it is preventable.
-Avoid caffine, NSAIDS, stress, smoking, alcohol.
-Dont go to bed right after you eat
-Taking acid reducers atleast 30 mins before the meal (usually heavy meals of the day)
3691 views
Dr. Dean Giannone answered
Internal Medicine 25 years experience
Barrett's.: This is a change in the esophagus in response to longstanding reflux. It is a precancerous change which requires frequent surveillance EGDs to make sure cancer is not developing. If Barrett's is found, the abnormal areas can be ablated so that they do not progress to cancer. Remember, reflux comes from an anatomic issue, so medications don't stop reflux and thereby may not prevent Barrett's.
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Last updated Dec 4, 2018
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