Quick Links
For Patients
For Physicians
- Refer a patient to a specialist
- Order labs for patients
- Order radiology for patients
- Order At-Home Services
- Get your practice listed
For Companies
© Copyright 2024 American TelePhysicians. All rights reserved.
The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the oral cavity to the stomach and is typically internally lined by a layer of flat cells that appear pink. In the barret’s esophagus, the cells of this layer become tall, thick, columnar, and turn red, appearing more like the intestinal cells. This change is most commonly due to chronic GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GERD occurs when the sphincter at the junction of the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) fails to work, and acid reflux from the stomach starts coming in contact with the esophageal lining. About 10% of people with chronic GERD have a barret’s esophagus. Barret’s esophagus can also occur in those who do not suffer from GERD.