G.E.R.D or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease is quite common in America.  If the condition is long-standing or goes untreated it could develop into something more serious.  Dr. Sandra Jara is a gastroenterologist with Lee Memorial Health System.  She says, “Individuals who have long standing gastro esophageal reflux disease they may be predisposed to something called Barrett’s Esophagus.   The esophagus is not used to having acid in contact with mucosa.  In order to cope with that the mucosa of the esophagus actually changes to adjust to the contact of the acid and that change in the mucosa is called Barrett’s Esophagus.”  The condition of Barrett’s Esophagus damages the lining of the esophagus and has been shown to predispose a small percentage of patients to developing a certain type of cancer.  “Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that can predispose to the development of esophageal-adno-carcinoma.   In patients who do have Barrett’s Esophagus we do recommend surveillance endoscopy. Someone who has Barrett’s Esophagus you would want to be seeing them more frequently to make sure that their reflux symptoms are controlled,” says Dr. Jara.  She adds that the condition is found most often in white men but can develop in women as well.  If you have long-standing reflux symptoms it’s important to talk with your physician about proper treatment and monitoring.  It’s estimated that more than three-million Americans are living with Barrett’s Esophagus.