Esophagitis, or chronic inflammation of the esophagus, can also lead to Barrett's esophagus. One-third of all people with scleroderma , a skin disorder, develop Barrett's esophagus. For some unknown reason, Barrett's esophagus occurs three times more often in males than in females. It is seen mainly in white men who are 40 to 50 years of age. GERD can be caused by a weak esophageal sphincter that is present at birth or develops later in life.
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the stomach pushes up into the diaphragm muscle.
When this happens, the esophageal sphincter does not work properly. As a result, the fluid can easily leak back into the esophagus. The best way to prevent Barrett's esophagus is to diagnose and treat GERD as early as possible. The diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus begins with a medical history and physical examination. The healthcare provider may then order an esophagoscopy.