Physicians usually diagnose gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) based on symptoms alone. When the clinical presentation is inconclusive, more tests can be done to confirm the diagnosis or eliminate other disorders. Confirmatory tests include:
Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series: A series of x-rays of the upper digestive system are taken after drinking a barium solution. These can display reflux of barium into the esophagus, which suggests the possibility of gastro esophageal reflux disease. More precisely, fluoroscopy can be used to record reflux in real-time.
Ambulatory pH Monitoring: A probe can be placed via the nose into the esophagus to check the level of acidity in the lower esophagus. Since some level of variation in acidity is normal, and small reflux events are relatively common, such monitors must be left in place for at least a 24-hour period to establish the diagnosis of GERD. The test is particularly useful when the patient’s symptoms can be correlated to occasions of increased esophageal acidity.
Endoscope Test: The esophageal mucosa can be visualized directly by passing a thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera attached (an endoscope) through the mouth to inspect the esophagus and stomach. In this way, details of esophageal inflammation can be determined, and biopsies taken if required.
Manometer Test: In this test, a pressure sensor (manometer) is transferred through the mouth into the esophagus and calculates the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter directly.
Biopsy Test: A small sample of tissue from the esophagus is removed. It is then analyzed to check for inflammation, cancer, or other problems.
GERD Diagnosis – posted by reflux
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