Home > Gastroenterology > Barretts Esophagus Get the Flash Player to see this player. Rate: (Click the stars to rate) Published on Feb 03, 2008 by BHoffman, Views: 7202 Dr. Brenda Hoffman, a gastroenterologist, discusses Barretts esophagus. GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, if left untreated, can cause changes in the lower esophagus, called Barrett's esophagus, which is a risk factor for esophageal cancer. Treating the symptoms of GERD with antacids and medicines such as zantac or prilosec will not treat the Barrett's esophagus. MUSC: Medical Univ. of South Carolina. My cousin went to see a gastroenterologist because of heartburn. He was diagnosed with GERD and his doc is concerned because of the danger to his esophagus. It is terrifying to know that he was taking prilosec for so long and his diagnosis could have been missed. alanstD56 11 years ago