Barrett's oesophagus | HealthShare
Does Barrett's oesophagus interfere with breathing?
No - but related acid reflux may as I will explain below.
Barrett's oesophagus is just a change in the lining of the oesophagus, due to chronic acid reflux. It is usually "asymptomatic" itself, but certainly acid reflux can be symptomatic in many ways.
Acid reflux symptoms include - heartburn, volume reflux where refluxate can come up into the throat/ mouth, cough, hoarse throat, poor dentition.
It can potentially cause respiratory symptoms, for example if small amounts of acid refluxate are aspirated into the lungs.
However, you will still be able to breathe (take breaths in and out) regardless of whether aspirate acid refluxate or not, and whether Barrett's oesophagus is present or not.
It would be advisable for you to see your GP to ensure you are on correct medication to treat acid reflux, and have had a gastroscopy to characterise the Barrett's oesophagus. In patients that have persistent acid reflux symptoms despite medical therapy, anti-reflux surgery can certainly be very effective.
What lifestyle changes can I undergo to prevent heartbun?
I know that laying down after eating and overeating may contribute to my heartburn. Is there anything else I can change/avoid doing to prevent heartburn?
What are the best treatments for heartburn / acid reflux?
Is being overweight associated with heartburn?