Barrett’s Esophagus
Most people do not think about their esophagus. However, this body part is important for transporting food from your mouth to your stomach so that you can get the nutrients and energy that you need to survive. If you suffer from esophageal problems such as heartburn, you can develop Barrett’s esophagus, a precursor to esophageal cancer.
Although it is important to work to prevent Barrett’s esophagus, some anti-acid reflux medications may actually be more dangerous. Reglan, a drug containing the powerful ingredient metoclopramide, has been linked to permanent neuromuscular disorders such as tardive dyskinesia. If you believe that you now suffer from a neuromuscular disease due to Reglan use, contact a tenacious Reglan lawsuit attorney from Williams Kherkher at 800-761-3187 today.
What is Barrett’s Esophagus?
All the cells in your body come from the same basic building blocks of life. However, cells in different areas of your body receive different “assignments” based on their locations, and they specialize in those assigned tasks. For instance, stomach cells must be tough and have a high turnover rate to handle stomach acid. With Barrett’s esophagus, the cells characteristic of the esophagus turn into cells like the ones in the stomach and intestines. This mutation can greatly increase your risk of cancer mutations.
How Barrett’s Esophagus Forms
Doctors and researchers believe that Barrett’s esophagus typically forms as a response to acid reflux, or heartburn. As potent stomach acid flows into the esophagus, it can burn the delicate cells. Eventually, the irritation from acid reflux causes the esophageal cells to adopt changes to protect themselves, such as mutating into the tougher cells of the stomach and intestines.
Contact Us
At Williams Kherkher, we believe that it is important to take preventative measures to protect your health, such as taking medications to help manage heartburn. However, we also believe that drugs should help you, not harm you. Reglan has been linked to devastating side effects, such as permanent neuromuscular disorders. If you have suffered due to taking Reglan, contact a knowledgeable Reglan side effects lawyer from Williams Kherkher at 800-761-3187 today.
