Barrett's Esophagus Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Although Barrett's esophagus does not directly produce symptoms, people with GERD may experience the following:

Heartburn
Chest pain
Nausea or vomiting
Blood in vomit or stool
Sore throat or chronic cough
Hoarse voice
Sour taste in mouth (acid reflux)
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Difficulty or pain with swallowing ( dysphagia )

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:

Endoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine the esophagus
Biopsy —removal of a sample of tissue from the esophagus during the endoscopy to be tested for cancer cells

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2025 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.