Barrett's Esophagus: Symptoms

Many of the symptoms of Barrett's Esophagus are similar to the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Signs and symptoms of GERD include:

• Heartburn
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Pain occurring in the middle of the chest or stomach
• Chronic cough
• Choking sensation
• Increased trouble breathing while asleep
• Swallowing problems
• Sore throat
• Recurrent pneumonia
• Chronic sinusitis

These symptoms may actually decrease with Barrett's Esophagus due to the difference in cells where the esophagus meets the stomach. In addition, some patients may have esophageal peptic ulcers and strictures (narrowing of the esophagus from scarring).

This information has been approved by Luette Morton, MD (October 2009).