Causes of Barrett’s Esophagus
Normally, the esophagus is protected from the acid in the stomach by a valve at the lower end. Sometimes, this valve may not close efficiently. Thus, acid from the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus. This condition is called
Risk Factor -
Conditions that increase a person’s risk for developing Barrett’s esophagus include -
- Age – Barrett’s esophagus usually affects people between 55 and 65 years of age.
- Obesity- An increase in waist size predisposes a person to Barrett’s esophagus.
- Male sex – Barrett’s esophagus is seen more commonly in males than in females.
- Treatment of H pylori infection – H pylori is a bacterium found in the stomach that causes stomach ulcers. It appears to reduce the incidence of Barrett’s esophagus. Hence, treatment of H pylori infection may result in an increase in the number of Barrett’s esophagus cases.
- Smoking and alcohol cause increase in acid reflux into the esophagus and can contribute to Barrett’s esophagus
- Fat, chocolate, peppermint and caffeine reduce the lower esophageal sphincter tone and can cause reflux.
References:
- Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine 17th edition
- Wood RK and Yang Y. Barrett’s Esophagus in 2008: an Update. Keio J Med 2008; 57 (3): 132-138
- Shalauta MD, Saad R. Barrett’s Esophagus. American Family Physician 2004, 69 (9): 2113-2118
Citations
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APA
Dr. Simi Paknikar. (2014, June 27). Causes of Barrett’s Esophagus. Medindia. Retrieved on May 17, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/barretts-esophagus-causes.htm.
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MLA
Dr. Simi Paknikar. "Causes of Barrett’s Esophagus". Medindia. May 17, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/barretts-esophagus-causes.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Simi Paknikar. "Causes of Barrett’s Esophagus". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/barretts-esophagus-causes.htm. (accessed May 17, 2022).
Harvard
Dr. Simi Paknikar. 2021. Causes of Barrett’s Esophagus. Medindia, viewed May 17, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/barretts-esophagus-causes.htm.