Millions of Americans have Barrett’s esophagus, a chronic condition that causes permanent changes in the tissue that lines the esophagus. Like other chronic medical conditions, Barrett’s esophagus requires ongoing management to prevent complications.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, our team at Digestive Disease Specialists in Moline, Illinois, and Bettendorf, Iowa, wants you to know there are steps you can take to reduce uncomfortable symptoms and improve your health. Here, learn eight simple tips that can help.
Large meals put pressure on your stomach, pushing acid backward into your esophagus. Eating smaller portions throughout the day is a better bet for avoiding that added pressure and preventing reflux symptoms.
Eating slowly is another good move. When you slow down, you’re more mindful of when you feel full, a key factor in preventing overeating.
Some foods are more likely to trigger heartburn, like spicy dishes, fried foods, and foods high in acid, like tomato products. Chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol are other known culprits.
That said, plenty of people with GERD have their own trigger foods. Keeping a food diary can help you identify and avoid those that are most likely to cause discomfort.
Food and acids remain in your stomach thanks to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve that prevents reflux and regurgitation. Smoking weakens your LES, making reflux more likely. Smoking can also increase stomach acid production, causing even more discomfort.
While quitting isn’t easy, the benefits you reap can be tremendous, not just for your digestive health but also for your overall health and longevity.
Fortunately, you can find plenty of resources to help you kick the habit at online sites like SmokeFree.gov. Local support groups can also help.
Lying down shortly after a meal makes it easier for stomach acid to move backward into your esophagus. Waiting at least 2-3 hours before lying down moves food farther along your digestive tract so gravity can work in your favor.
Eating dinner well before bedtime and avoiding bedtime snacks can yield big benefits here. If you eat a big meal during the day, avoid the temptation to lie down and nap afterward.
Speaking of sleeping, another tip for reducing symptoms is to elevate the head of your bed. Just a few inches of elevation helps reduce reflux and improve the effects of gravity.
While reclining beds are one solution, you can achieve similar benefits with a wedge pillow designed to keep your upper back and head at a comfortable angle while you recline.
Excess weight (especially around your belly) increases pressure on your stomach, increasing reflux risk.
You don’t have to lose a lot of weight to reap benefits. Even modest weight loss can lead to meaningful symptom improvement. Regular exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight while improving overall digestive activity.
Treating Barrett’s esophagus and its symptoms often involves regular doses of medication to relieve discomfort, protect your esophagus, and reduce stomach acid production. Taking these medications consistently and as directed is critical for long-term management.
If your medication causes unwanted side effects, don’t stop taking it — call the office for a dose adjustment or to switch to an alternative medication.
Because Barrett’s esophagus increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer, you’ll need routine endoscopies to monitor your condition and adjust your therapy when needed. These exams play an essential role in managing your condition, even if your symptoms feel well-controlled.
Routine endoscopies also give us the opportunity to extract tiny samples of tissue (biopsies) to look for tissue changes and treat issues early. Staying on schedule provides peace of mind and supports long-term esophageal health.
Barrett’s esophagus is a chronic condition, but with proper management, you can significantly reduce your symptoms, protect your esophagus, and improve your quality of life. To learn how we can help you manage your symptoms, book an appointment online or over the phone with Digestive Disease Specialists today.
