What actually causes Barretts?

[waiting]

I've read that Barretts is caused by acid getting into the esophagus and wearing down the lining causing it to change.

But I've also read that smoking and drinking can cause Barrett's. So is there something in cigarettes and alchohol that can cause the lining to change?


Waiting

[daw]

Hi waiting, According to http://www.barrettsinfo.com:

"Barrett's esophagus is caused by years of chronic heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease - GERD). When the esophagus (swallowing tube) is exposed to stomach acid and bile backwashing into it, these substances can cause injury to the normal squamous lining of the esophagus. Esophageal injury with inflammation is called esophagitis. In about 10% of those who have severe GERD, if acid injury to the esophagus continues over many years, the injured normal squamous lining of the esophagus does not grow back. Instead, it is replaced by a new abnormal lining called Barrett's esophagus (specialized intestinal metaplasia of the esophagus).

No one knows why Barrett's esophagus develops in response to acid injury to the esophagus. Barrett's esophagus produces mucous, like normal stomach lining, and therefore may resist acid injury better than the normal squamous lining of the esophagus. It may be the body's attempt to protect the esophagus against continued injury by chronic GERD. In fact, some people who have Barrett's esophagus report a past history of heartburn but none in recent years. This has led some researchers to believe that the development of Barrett's esophagus may relieve GERD (heartburn) symptoms in some people. No one knows why some people who have severe GERD develop Barrett's esophagus and why others do not. "

I would think the cigarette smoke (some of which does get into the esophagus) would add extra irritation. The ingredients in cigarettes are scary. Alchohol definitely irritates the esophagus. Sometimes Cigarette smoke and alchohol cause squamous cell cancer of the esophagus more readlily than adenocarcinoma which is seen with Barrett's.

Then there is a good possibility that genetics plays a a part. Family members of relatives with Barrett's should always be screened whether or not they have symptoms. I also know people who developed Barrett's very quickly. This sometimes happens due to other illnesses and/or genetics.

[waiting]

Daw,

Thanks for the info. I smoke on the weekends and drink occasionally. I don't smoke alot, maybe a half a pack from Friday to Sunday. I'm kind of a social smoker. Then some weekends I don't even smoke at all. I'm well aware that i'ts not good, but I don't smoke like a regular smoker, and never had the urge to. I wonder what my risks are with as little as I smoke and drink? Anyhoo, thanks again.

waiting