Medication for Barrett’s esophagus: Types and other treatments Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What are some medications for Barrett s esophagus Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.D., MPH — By Beth Sissons on July 28, 2022Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which acid reflux damages the lining of the esophagus, or food pipe. Medications and other treatments can help prevent further damage. Medications for Barrett’s esophagus aim to prevent and heal damage to the esophagus by reducing stomach acid or increasing movement in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Dietary changes, such as avoiding certain foods and drinks, may also help reduce reflux symptoms. People will also likely benefit from reaching or maintaining a moderate weight and quitting smoking, if applicable. In some cases, surgery and other medical procedures may be among the treatment options. This article looks at the types of medications available to treat Barrett’s esophagus. It also discusses other treatment options and provides lifestyle tips. What is Barrett s esophagus Share on PinterestMartin Hospach/Getty ImagesThe esophagus is a tube connecting the mouth and stomach that transports food and liquids. Barrett’s esophagus is a chronic condition that occurs when the lining of the esophagus changes into tissue similar to the lining of the intestine. The lining of the esophagus changes from its usual white color to a salmon pink color. Although there is no clear cause of Barrett’s esophagus, people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have an increased risk of Barrett’s esophagus. Acid reflux, in which stomach acid flows up into the esophagus, can damage the cells in this part of the body. Other risk factors include obesity and smoking. Genetics may also play a part. Barrett’s esophagus does not cause symptoms, but people may have symptoms of GERD. These symptoms, which can be persistent, typically include:heartburnindigestionblood in the stool or vomitproblems swallowing solid foodbitter or acidic liquid coming up into the chest or mouth during sleep People with Barrett’s esophagus can discuss a treatment plan with a doctor to find the best approach. The treatment options may include medications, medical procedures, and, in some cases, surgery. Learn more about Barrett’s esophagus. Types of medication Medications for treating Barrett’s esophagus work by either reducing acid levels in the stomach or increasing movement in the upper GI tract. Proton pump inhibitors Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are acid-suppressing medications. PPIs work to stop further damage to the esophagus. In some cases, they may also help treat any existing damage. PPIs prevent the three main pathways for acid production in the body. PPIs that a doctor may prescribe include:esomeprazole (Nexium)dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)lansoprazole (Prevacid)omeprazole (Prilosec or Zegerid)pantoprazole (Protonix)rabeprazole (AcipHex) PPIs are the most effective treatment for healing damage to the esophagus and helping manage GERD symptoms in the long term. Antacids Over-the-counter antacid medications may help relieve infrequent reflux symptoms. However, the frequent use of antacids may increase acid production and worsen the condition. Histamine 2 blockers Histamine 2 (H2) blockers reduce the amount of acid the stomach releases, which can help prevent further damage to the esophagus. In about 50% of people, H2 blockers are effective in healing damage to the lining of the esophagus. Prokinetic agents Prokinetic agents are medications that promote movement of the smooth muscle of the GI tract. Although prokinetic agents are generally not as effective as PPIs, a doctor may prescribe them in combination with acid-suppressing medication. Learn more about medications for acid reflux. Other treatments If lifestyle changes and medications are not effective in managing Barrett’s esophagus and GERD symptoms, people may require other treatments. People with Barrett’s esophagus have an increased risk of developing a type of esophageal cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma. In most cases, dysplasia — a precancerous state — occurs first. Learn more about esophageal cancer. Periodic surveillance endoscopy A doctor can perform a regular endoscopy to check for dysplasia. This procedure involves using an endoscope, which is a tube with a light at the end of it, to examine the upper GI tract. The doctor may also carry out a biopsy, taking a sample of tissue and sending it to a lab where pathologists will examine it for abnormal cell changes. Depending on the presence and severity of dysplasia, people may need surveillance every 1–2 years or every 3–6 months. Learn more about endoscopy. Endoscopic mucosal resection In an endoscopic mucosal resection, a doctor injects a solution underneath the esophagal tissue before removing it. People will receive a local anesthetic and sedative before this procedure. A doctor may combine it with other treatments, such as photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy A doctor delivers photodynamic therapy by injecting a chemical called porfimer sodium (Photofrin) into a vein. Photofrin is a light-activated medication, which means that it transforms under light. A doctor will use laser light and an endoscope to focus on any precancerous cells. Photofrin will destroy cancerous cells without harming healthy cells. Radiofrequency ablation Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to destroy any precancerous cells in the esophagus. A doctor will use an electrode — a fine wire that an electric current can travel through — and an endoscope to carry out this procedure. Surgery Esophagectomy is a surgical procedure to remove any problematic areas of the esophagus. If other treatments are not successful, esophagectomy may be an option. Following the surgical removal of parts of the esophagus, a surgeon will use sections of the stomach or large intestine to rebuild the esophagus with healthy tissue. People usually need to stay in the hospital for 1–2 weeks after an esophagectomy to recover. An alternative option is a Nissen fundoplication. During this procedure, a surgeon will use part of the stomach to act as an anti-reflux barrier, blocking acid from entering the lower esophagus. Lifestyle tips for managing Barrett s esophagus People can take certain steps at home to help relieve acid reflux symptoms. These include:avoiding foods that can increase stomach acid, such as caffeinerefraining from consuming fatty foods, alcohol, and peppermint, as these can reduce pressure in the lower esophagusavoiding foods, such as fatty foods, that slow down the process of the stomach emptying food into the small intestinelimiting the intake of chocolate and tomatoes or tomato products, which may worsen GERD symptomsdrinking water rather than coffee, alcohol, or any acidic liquids, as these can affect muscle movement in the GI tracteating smaller, more frequent mealsquitting smoking, if applicable, or avoiding secondhand smokestaying upright after eatingelevating the head when lying downreaching or maintaining a moderate weight Learn about foods to eat and avoid for GERD and acid reflux. Outlook Lifestyle changes and medications may help people manage the symptoms of GERD and avoid further damage to the esophagus. Some medications may also help heal existing damage. PPIs are the most effective medication for healing any erosion of the esophagus and for the long-term management of GERD symptoms. Surgery may be a suitable option for some people, who might find it preferable to long-term medications. Certain surgical procedures, such as a Nissen fundoplication, may give people permanent relief from reflux symptoms. Medications, procedures, and surgery can have side effects or possible complications, so a person should discuss these with a doctor. There is a 0.5%-per-year risk of people with Barrett’s esophagus developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. Regular surveillance checks can help doctors identify precancerous changes and start treatment before cancer develops. Summary Barrett’s esophagus is a chronic condition that occurs due to damage to the esophagus. It can be a complication of GERD. Lifestyle changes can help reduce reflux symptoms. Medications can help prevent further damage to the esophagus, and they may sometimes help heal damaged tissue. If these treatments are not effective, people may require medical procedures or, in some cases, surgery to remove part of the esophagus. Doctors may also carry out surveillance checks of the esophagus to check for any precancerous changes. Last medically reviewed on July 28, 2022Acid Reflux / GERDGastroIntestinal / GastroenterologyDrugs 6 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Barrett's esophagus. (n.d.).https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/barretts-esophagusBarrett's esophagus. (n.d.).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/barretts-esophagusBarrett's esophagus treatment. (n.d.).https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/barretts-esophagus-treatmentEndoscopic treatments for esophageal cancer. (2020).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/esophagus-cancer/treating/endoscopic-treatments.htmlLansoprazole. (2022).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695020.htmlRabeprazole. (2022).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699060.htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.D., MPH — By Beth Sissons on July 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageTurmeric for acid reflux: What to knowMedically reviewed by Sade Meeks, MS, RD Turmeric may help alleviate some symptoms of acid reflux, although more studies are necessary to confirm its effectiveness. Learn more about the…READ MOREIs there a link between acid reflux and palpitations?Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, RN Acid reflux and GERD are unlikely to cause heart palpitations directly. However, the same factors, such as eating certain foods, can trigger both acid…READ MOREWhat to drink if you have acid reflux Acid reflux is an uncomfortable condition in which stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. Learn what drinks can help here.READ MOREFoods to eat, and foods to avoid with GERD and acid reflux GERD is a digestive condition in which the stomach's contents often come back up into the food pipe. Some dietary changes can improve symptoms. Learn…READ MOREWhat to know about GERD and tinnitusMedically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH GERD can sometimes cause enzymes from the stomach to enter the middle ear, which may lead to tinnitus. Learn more about the two conditions here.READ MORE