Chronic Acid Reflux is common and popular medications like Prilosec and Nexium are effective treatments. But left untreated, doctors believe chronic reflux can lead to another serious condition affecting the esophagus. It is called Barrett's Esophagus, and in some cases it can lead to cancer of the esophagus, which is very hard to treat unless caught early.
That high death rate is why doctors often surgically remove part of the esophagus if it looks like Barrett's is turning into cancer.
Now, researchers at Washington University have been testing a device as an alternative to that difficult surgery.
It's called the "Halo" system a scope placed into the patient through the mouth and down the throat, where it uses radio waves to "burn" away the Barrett's, allowing the body to regrow a healthy lining in the esophagus.
Washington University's results show the device effective for about 80% of the patients in the trial.
Barrett's Esophogus is tricky because it produces no symptoms, which is why it is important for those with chronic heartburn to see a doctor who can test for the disease.
That high death rate is why doctors often surgically remove part of the esophagus if it looks like Barrett's is turning into cancer.
Now, researchers at Washington University have been testing a device as an alternative to that difficult surgery.
It's called the "Halo" system a scope placed into the patient through the mouth and down the throat, where it uses radio waves to "burn" away the Barrett's, allowing the body to regrow a healthy lining in the esophagus.
Washington University's results show the device effective for about 80% of the patients in the trial.
Barrett's Esophogus is tricky because it produces no symptoms, which is why it is important for those with chronic heartburn to see a doctor who can test for the disease.
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