What’re the treatments for Barrett's esophagus?
The treatment of Barrett's esophagus is similar to the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, namely, lifestyle changes in conjunction with the use of medications that will decrease acid production by the stomach. Treatment for Barrett's esophagus may start with controlling GERD by making a number of lifestyle changes and taking self-care steps.
These actions include getting more exercise, losing weight, avoiding foods that aggravate heartburn, stopping smoking if you smoke, taking antacids or stronger acid blocking medications, and elevating the head of your bed to prevent reflux during sleep.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix) and esomeprazole (Nexium) are drugs that block production of acid and relieve irritated tissue. Doctors sometimes prescribe another class of drugs called H-2-receptor blockers to treat GERD and Barrett's esophagus. They're weaker than PPIs, although less expensive. Prescription H-2-receptor blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid, Mylanta AR), cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid) and ranitidine (Zantac) are available over the counter in doses less than prescription strength.
Certain patients with GERD may need surgery to strengthen the LES. This type of surgery is called fundoplication. It is now done by laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery, performed with a tiny incision at the naval and a few needle points in the upper abdomen. |
