What Is Barrett's Esophagus?
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
4. Patient History and Physical Examination
The classic patient history of an individual with Barrett’s esophagus would be a middle-aged white man who has little to no symptoms. In most cases, there can be a chronic history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, which may or may not include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Very rarely, patients may recall previous episodes of hematemesis (vomiting blood).
Other symptoms such as pain under the sternum (this is generally the location where the esophagus meets the stomach) and unintentional weight loss due to painful eating (odynophagia) may also be present. Patients with Barrett’s esophagus tend to have central obesity.
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