DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For many years I have taken a variety of medications for acid-reflux disease. I am now on Nexium, with good results. This last month I had a gastroscopy with biopsies. I was diagnosed with short-segment Barrett’s esophagus. I was told that this is a precancerous condition. Both my father and sister had stomach cancer, so I am concerned. I am 84, married to my beloved husband for 62 years, and want to be here with him to enjoy our great-grandchildren for a few more good years. – A.K.

ANSWER: Long-standing GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease, or heartburn – can cause changes in the lining cells of the lower esophagus. That change is called Barrett’s esophagus. Treatment of GERD with medicines doesn’t usually affect Barrett’s changes.

In a few people, Barrett’s esophagus evolves further into cancer. Many people have GERD. Some have Barrett’s esophagus. Few develop esophageal cancer. Your father’s and sister’s having stomach cancer has little to no bearing on whether you will develop esophageal cancer.

You have short-segment Barrett’s, meaning that only about an inch of the esophagus is involved. Short-segment Barrett’s is less likely to become cancer. If your biopsy report says “low-grade dysplasia,” then the chances of cancer are even smaller. Your doctor will monitor these changes, and if there are any signs that they are headed toward cancer, appropriate action will be taken.

You are 84. You have every reason to believe that you will be with your husband many more years.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am curious as to what happens to the gunk – plaque – in heart arteries after having a Roto-Rooter job. Does it get smashed up somewhere? – J.L.

ANSWER: The “Roto-Rooter” job’s medical name is percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, or angioplasty for short. A catheter – a fine-bore, soft, flexible tube – is snaked into a blocked heart artery, usually from a groin artery. The catheter has a balloon tip. When it reaches the heart-artery blockage, the doctor inflates the balloon, and the gunk of cholesterol, fat and various proteins (plaque) obstructing the heart artery is crushed against the artery wall. Blood can flow freely through the heart to heart muscle. These days, after the plaque has been flattened, the doctor often opens a metallic scaffold in the area that has been treated. The scaffold prevents the artery from narrowing again. It’s called a stent.

The booklet on coronary artery disease discusses blocked heart arteries and their treatment at length. Readers who would like a copy can write to: Dr. Donohue – No. 101, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6.75 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have not seen many articles on bulimia’s effects on the body. I have back and leg pain. The doctors can’t find anything wrong even after numerous MRI scans. I have never told them that I have had a problem with bulimia for 25 years. Could it affect me in this way? I am very sensitive to the subject and don’t like to discuss it. – C.T.

ANSWER: Bulimia is an eating disorder where people go on secret binges of consuming large quantities of food and then purging themselves of the food they have just eaten. Purging can be self-induced vomiting, taking large doses of laxatives or using water pills in the extreme. Unlike those with anorexia, who look emaciated, people with bulimia appear healthy.

Vomiting can cause loss of tooth enamel, dental decay or a chronically irritated and sore throat. It often causes swelling of the salivary glands. It frequently leads to heartburn. It can also produce tears in the esophagus from forceful regurgitation.

Vomiting or the inordinate use of laxatives and diuretics can upset the body’s acid-base balance. Mineral deficiencies can occur. A deficiency of potassium can disturb normal heart rhythm.

I can’t relate your back or leg pain to bulimia, but you should tell the family doctor your problem. You can get the help you need to overcome it.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.