What Are the Risk Factors?
The most significant risk factor for Barrett’s esophagus is GERD symptoms. You’re more likely to develop the condition if you have had GERD symptoms for longer than 10 years.
Other factors that will make you more susceptible to Barrett’s esophagus include:
- Being Caucasian
- Smoking
- Being male
- Being obese
- Having H pylori gastritis [2]
- Being over the age of 50
In addition, factors that worsen GERD can also exacerbate Barrett’s esophagus. These factors include:
- Diets high in saturated fats
- Going to bed or lying down less than four hours after eating
- Smoking
- Frequent use of NSAIDS or Aspirin
- Eating large portions at meals
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods