According to Mayoclinic.com, Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that occurs when the esophagus is damaged due to excess exposure to stomach acid. When food is swallowed, it is kept in the stomach by a muscle in the shape of a ring that prevents it from going back up the esophagus. If this ring muscle does not close tightly enough, food and other contents of the stomach can go back up the esophagus. This can damage the cells lining the esophagus. Major symptoms seen with Barrett’s esophagus include dysphagia, pyrosis and dysplasia.
Difficulty in Swallowing
Mayoclinic.com reports that dysphagia is seen in patients with Barrett’s esophagus. This condition means the patient has difficulty swallowing. Due to the damage to the esophagus, more time and effort is now required for food to get from the mouth to the stomach. Patients can experience frustration, especially when hungry, due to the difficulty with food passage, such as regurgitation of food. Excess belching can also be noticed.
Heartburn
According to Mayoclinic.com, pyrosis is one of the advanced symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus that occurs. Pyrosis is most commonly known as heartburn. This is a painful sensation that is likened to burning that occurs in the esophagus. This is normally localized behind or just below the breastbone, and the patient experiences chest pain. This heartburn occurs due to the erosion caused by the stomach acid upon the lining of the esophagus.
Vomiting Blood and Dysplasia
Mayoclinic.com states that patients with Barett's esophagus may vomit blood. This occurs due to the damage to the lining of the esophagus, which can result in irritation. The patient can complain of hoarseness, sore throat and cough.
Medline Plus reports that dysplasia can also develop as a result of Barrett’s esophagus. This occurs over an extended period, and can be a precursor to the development of cancerous cells in the esophagus.
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