If you have been suffering from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) for a number of years, you might be concerned that you will develop Barrett’s Esophagus, and with good reason. Barrett’s Esophagus is often a natural progression from chronic or long-term GERD. While there are not always noticeable symptoms when a person develops Barrett’s esophagus the most common symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus are similar to the symptoms of GERD, but there can be some additional symptoms. The tricky thing is that sometimes there aren’t any noticeable symptoms.
The most important thing to do if you feel you are experiencing Barrett’s Esophagus symptoms is to get a positive diagnosis from your doctor. The reason for this is that there is an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer if you have Barrett’s esophagus so you need to keep an eye on it. Regular screenings can help prevent esophageal cancer, which is important because esophageal cancer is difficult to treat once it develops.