• Condition in which changes occur in the tissue of the esophagus due to long-term
• exposure to stomach acid
• Symptoms may include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest or middle upper
• abdominal pain
• Cause most often due to complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in males
• Can occur at any age but more common in middle age and elderly
• May be mild to severe
• Can progress to cancer of the esophagus if left untreated

• Maintain appropriate weight
• Avoid bending down except to tie your shoes
• Avoid tobacco
• Wear loose fitting clothes around your waist

FOR ACID REFLUX

• Avoid trigger foods, such as spicy, acidic and fatty foods
• Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after meals
• Sleep with the head of your bed raised
• Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Over-the-counter medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Antacids