What it means
Named after Norman Barrett, the surgeon who described it. Years of stomach acid washing up into the esophagusih-SOF-uh-gusThe muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.esophag/o esophagusFull entry (gastroesophageal reflux diseasegas-troh-ih-sof-uh-JEE-ul REE-fluks dih-ZEEZA long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.gastr/o stomachesophag/o esophagus-al relating toFull entry ) can change the cells of its lower lining. The changed lining raises the risk of a cancer of the esophagus called adenocarcinoma, so people with it have regular checks by EGDee-jee-DEE (said as letters)Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: a test using a flexible scope through the mouth to look at the esophagus, stomach and start of the small intestine.esophag/o esophagusgastr/o stomachduoden/o duodenum-scopy looking, viewingFull entry with biopsies.
For the nurse
Teach the client to take reflux medicine as prescribed and to keep follow-up scope appointments, and to report trouble swallowing, weight loss or vomiting blood.
At a glance
| Also written | Barrett's esophagus, Barrett's oesophagus |
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Related terms
esophagus
The muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.
gastroesophageal reflux disease
A long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.
biopsy
Taking a small sample of tissue from the body so it can be looked at under a microscope.
EGD
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: a test using a flexible scope through the mouth to look at the esophagus, stomach and start of the small intestine.