BARRET'S OESOPHAGITIS

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which tissue that is similar to the lining of your intestine replaces the tissue lining your esophagus. Doctors call this process intestinal metaplasia.

While Barrett’s esophagus itself doesn’t cause symptoms, many people with Barrett’s esophagus have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which does cause symptoms.

CAUSES BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS: -

Experts don’t know the exact cause of Barrett’s esophagus. However, some factors can increase or decrease your chance of developing Barrett’s esophagus.

Factors increase a person’s chances of developing Barrett’s esophagus: -

Having GERD increases your chances of developing Barrett’s esophagus. GERD is a more serious, chronic form of gastroesophageal reflux, a condition in which stomach contents flow back up into your esophagus. Refluxed stomach acid that touches the lining of your esophagus can cause heartburn and damage the cells in your esophagus.

Between 10 and 15 percent of people with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus.

Obesity—specifically high levels of belly fat—and smoking also increase your chances of developing Barrett’s esophagus. Some studies suggest that your genetics, or inherited genes, may play a role in whether or not you develop Barrett’s esophagus.

Factors decreasing a person’s chances of developing Barrett’s esophagus: -

Having a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may decrease your chances of developing Barrett’s esophagus. Doctors are not sure how H. pylori protects against Barrett’s esophagus. While the bacteria damage your stomach and the tissue in your duodenum, some researchers believe the bacteria make your stomach contents less damaging to your esophagus if you have GERD.

Researchers have found that other factors may decrease the chance of developing Barrett’s esophagus, including frequent use of a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and certain vitamins.

SCREENING FOR BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS: -

Your doctor may recommend screening for Barrett’s esophagus if you are a man with chronic—lasting more than 5 years—and/or frequent—happening weekly or more—symptoms of GERD and two or more risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus.

THESE RISK FACTORS INCLUDE: -

being age 50 and older being Caucasian having high levels of belly fat being a smoker or having smoked in the past having a family history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF BARRET'S OESOPHAGUS: -

 Robinia: - the key indication is intense heartburn, constant sour Belching, sour vomiting due to Regurgitation. The symptoms tend to get worse at night, on lying down and can cause sleeplessness.

Iris ver:- sour, bitter Belching is the key feature. Vomiting of sour bitter fluid that burns the throat, vomiting with weakness, a smarting, burning sensation in throat. There may be burning distress and pains in the epigastric region at frequent intervals.

 Nat phos: - useful when heartburn is attended with difficult swallowing. Other symptoms include sour Belching, waterbrash, vomiting of sour fluid or cheesy curdled masses.

Arsenicum album: - the burning gets worse upon swallowing. Swallowing is difficult and painful.

Cal carb: - when there is sour taste in mouth. There is regurgitation of sour substances with the flow of sour, watery fluid from the mouth. Foul odour from the mouth may be present with nausea.