Share of Cost, Causes and risk factors of Barrett’s esophagus

Sunday, Jan. 29th 2017 5:00 AM

As with most diseases and conditions, there are certain groups of people who are at a higher risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus. The NIDDK state that between 5 and 10 percent of people with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus.

People who are at an increased risk include:

* Overweight and obese people
* People with long-term GERD for more than 5 years
* People with GERD who are over 50 and need to use medication regularly
* Smokers

People who are under the age of 30 when their chronic GERD begins may also be at an increased risk.

According to the NIDDK, males develop Barrett’s esophagus twice as often as females. Caucasian males are also more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus than other males. There are also several factors that could reduce the risk of Barrett’s esophagus. The NIDDK suggest the following factors:

* Having an infection caused by bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori
* Frequently using aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
* Following a diet that is high in fruit, vegetables, and certain vitamins

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