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Barrett’s Esophagus Specialist

Hal N Buch, MD Our Services Barrett’s Esophagus

Hal N Buch, MD

Gastroenterologists located in Kingston, NY

At the office of Hal N Buch, MD in Kingston, New York, you can get comprehensive help for Barrett’s Esophagus, an extreme complication of acid reflux. Dr. Buch and his team have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus and other digestive disorders. Call to set up a consultation or use the online scheduler to book now.

Barrett's Esophagus Q & A

What is Barrett’s Esophagus?

Barrett’s Esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition that can develop as a side effect of prolonged acid reflux. About 10% of people with severe acid reflux develop Barrett’s Esophagus.

After the repeated onslaught of stomach acid, the lining of your esophagus can morph over time until the tissue more closely resembles the kind that’s in your intestinal lining. When this happens, it’s called intestinal metaplasia.

Though the condition is pre-cancerous and is treated on a case-by-case basis, it does increase your risk of a serious esophageal cancer, so Dr. Buch and nurse practitioner Marisa Flanagan monitor your condition closely to ensure it doesn’t progress.

How is Barrett’s Esophagus diagnosed?

Since the symptoms for Barrett’s Esophagus are so similar to acid reflux, it takes additional testing to confirm. If you receive treatment for GERD, but it persists, Dr. Buch evaluates the possibility of Barrett’s Esophagus.

Some methods he uses to make the diagnosis are:

  • Comprehensive physical evaluation
  • Family history analysis
  • Endoscopy

Dr. Buch uses the latest endoscopic technology to improve detection and minimize recovery after the test.

If you don’t have GERD, can you get Barrett’s Esophagus?

Though it’s more often found in men and women with GERD, you can have Barrett’s Esophagus without acid reflux or any other symptoms. Talk to Dr. Buch to determine if you should have a screening to rule out Barrett’s Esophagus.

What is the treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus?

If you’ve been diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus, you’ll be tested regularly to monitor the disease. Because of the link to esophageal cancer, it’s vital that you prioritize regular observation at Dr. Buch’s office. Most likely, you’ll only need to be tested annually, but some patients with more severe acid reflux or inflamed tissue may require more frequent testing.

As a first step. Dr. Buch helps you suppress the symptoms of acid reflux. He treats Barrett’s Esophagus with lifestyle changes and oral medications. In some cases he may recommend endoscopic surgery.

Learn more about Barrett’s Esophagus and how the skilled team at Dr. Buch’s office can help you. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book online now.