Barrett’s esophagus [Norman R. Barrett, English surgeon, 1903–1979] , a disorder of the lower esophagus marked by a benign ulcerlike lesion in columnar epithelium, resulting most often from chronic irritation of the esophagus by gastric reflux of acidic digestive juices. Major symptoms include dysphagia, decreased lower esophageal (LES) pressure, frequent heartburn, and less commonly, chest pain. Symptoms may be relieved by eating frequent small meals, avoiding foods that produce gas, taking antacid medication, and elevating the head of the bed to prevent passive reflux when lying down. Treatment consists of proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers. The lesion is considered premalignant, and surveillance endoscopy is performed to screen for esophageal cancer. Also called Barrett’s syndrome.
