Hello Tony70 and thank you for posting some questions

I appreciate there can be lots to take in when experience worrying symptoms and finding out test results.

I will try and explain all the 4 things that you have been told you have 1 by 1 and hope this will help you understand a little more about your situation.

Gastritis means that the stomach lining is inflamed and when this happens it can cause a number of symptoms including feeling sick, indigestion and pain.There is more information on the NHS website here about gastritis.

Similarly oesophagitis is inflammation of the oesophagus (the pipe that leads to the stomach) that often causes acid reflux, when acid from the stomach is leaked up out of the stomach through into the oesophagus causing a number of symptoms including heart burn, pain in the chest and upper part of the tummy, an acid taste in the mouth and so on.

Dysphagia is the term used when someone has problems with eating and swallowing. There can be a number of causes but because of the other symptoms you have these are all likely to be linked. There is more information about this here.

Barrett's oesophagus here is a condition where cells start to become abnormal in the food pipe (oesophagus). These abnormal cells over time may turn into cancer ( between 3-13% in their lifetime), which is why patients who have Barrett's are usually monitored and treated if needed to prevent this from happening.

Barrett's oesophagus can be caused by either having a long term history of acid reflux or a family history of Barrett's. It is often diagnosed on closer inspection and biopsies of the oesophagus during a gastroscopy where a camera is passed down the food pipe or a capsule sponge test to check for abnormal cells. Symptoms of Barrett's include indigestion, reflux and difficulty swallowing. Treatment of Barrett's is to try and reduce the acid in the stomach with medication and to remove any abnormal areas of cells when needed.

It is important to speak with your doctor about this and what needs to happen next for you in terms of treatment and follow up. Do remember none of what you have is cancer but having Barrett's oesophagus may increase your risk of developing oesophageal cancer which is why there should be a plan for how you will be managed with this.

I hope this is helpful. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Naomi