helen
baretts esophagus is a pre cancerous condition, generally caused by stomach acid (although there recently has been a debate whether its acid or bile which causes it). This "refluxed" material can change the cellular configuration of the esophageal lining!!The first stage of change is called barretts. All steps should be taken to stop this, as it can ( in some small percentage of people ) progress to a conditon of dysplasia and then cancer! PPI's which are proton pump inhibitors, like prevacid,prilosec, nexium to name a few, have been successful in reducing the acid in the stomach. However life style changes should be made to eliminate foods that cause it as well. Eating late at night should be avoided. In addtion, your mom should sleep with her head and chest elevated by a wedge pillow so that the acid that may still reflux, be less inclined to reach her esophagus. Please email if you have any further questions..