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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Esophagitis and Barrett's questions - Please read in full
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Esophagitis and Barrett's questions - Please read in full
by silverstanger, Nov 05, 2004 12:00AM
I have 4 questions: I am 29 year old olive skin male.
Right now I have pain near my upper back. I believe it is esphagitis because eating severly aggrevates the pain and as the food passes down it hurts when it gets to the hurting area.
Yesterday it was feeling better until I ate then I suffered the entire day afterwards. This is a terrible pain I am dealing with.
**Q1: Does this mean I have ulcers in my esophagus?**
I am very concerned with Barrett's esophagus. I had an EGD within a year from now and they found "gastritis" and "gastroparesis". At that time I was having some pain in my back also but I may be wrong of this.
I believe I have been having GERD problems since 1999 or 2000.
My usual symptoms are only PAIN related.. it's like I can't tell I am having reflux and only feel the after effects.
I have had a good bit of bouts where under my left rib near the sternum, and this upper back pain which gets way worse with/after eating. Also in the morning when I take my first big breath (after waking up) I start choking and coughing because the acid must be in or get in my lungs from overnight.
**Q2: Since I had the scope earlier this year and another a few years ago which diag: only a hiatel hernia.. Is it possible for me to get Barrett's soon or maybe they have missed it??**
**Q3: Since I have had a few more 'bouts' of esphogatis/gastritis should I get another EGD to check for Barrett's?**
**Q4: I have olive skin and some phillipino/italian in me, does that make my risk for Barrett's worse or better?? **
Right now I have pain near my upper back. I believe it is esphagitis because eating severly aggrevates the pain and as the food passes down it hurts when it gets to the hurting area.
Yesterday it was feeling better until I ate then I suffered the entire day afterwards. This is a terrible pain I am dealing with.
**Q1: Does this mean I have ulcers in my esophagus?**
I am very concerned with Barrett's esophagus. I had an EGD within a year from now and they found "gastritis" and "gastroparesis". At that time I was having some pain in my back also but I may be wrong of this.
I believe I have been having GERD problems since 1999 or 2000.
My usual symptoms are only PAIN related.. it's like I can't tell I am having reflux and only feel the after effects.
I have had a good bit of bouts where under my left rib near the sternum, and this upper back pain which gets way worse with/after eating. Also in the morning when I take my first big breath (after waking up) I start choking and coughing because the acid must be in or get in my lungs from overnight.
**Q2: Since I had the scope earlier this year and another a few years ago which diag: only a hiatel hernia.. Is it possible for me to get Barrett's soon or maybe they have missed it??**
**Q3: Since I have had a few more 'bouts' of esphogatis/gastritis should I get another EGD to check for Barrett's?**
**Q4: I have olive skin and some phillipino/italian in me, does that make my risk for Barrett's worse or better?? **
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Nov 05, 2004 12:00AM
, Nov 05, 2004 12:00AM
To answer your questions:
1) It is possible that the symptoms may be caused by esophageal ulcers. Certainly the inflammation in the esophagus can lead to ulcers.
2) The EGD is a pretty comprehensive test for Barrett's. Having said that, no test is 100% accurate, so it is always possible that it may be missed.
3) If the symptoms continue, you may want to repeat the EGD.
4) Barrett's esophagus appears to be uncommon in blacks and Asians. The prevalence in Hispanics appears to be similar to that in Caucasians.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
1) It is possible that the symptoms may be caused by esophageal ulcers. Certainly the inflammation in the esophagus can lead to ulcers.
2) The EGD is a pretty comprehensive test for Barrett's. Having said that, no test is 100% accurate, so it is always possible that it may be missed.
3) If the symptoms continue, you may want to repeat the EGD.
4) Barrett's esophagus appears to be uncommon in blacks and Asians. The prevalence in Hispanics appears to be similar to that in Caucasians.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
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