Diagnostics

How is GERD diagnosed? There are multiple methods used to determine whether a person has GERD or not. If symptoms become worse/frequent enough, and a person seeks medical attention to figure out what is going on, the provider will likely choose one or multiple of the following exams.

pH testing can be done with a catheter placed through the nose and into the catheter. This is typically left in place for 24 hours and records the pH into a portable computer device which would be kept on the person for the examination period. As we know stomach pH is more acidic than the pH in our esophagus, this can provide information about the presence of acid in the esophagus and how often it is refluxing.

X-rays are another way of obtaining a visual of the anatomy in the digestive tract. This is usually done with a liquid substance (barium) which the patient drinks before the x-ray. The barium coats the GI tract and creates a more distinct visual when the x-ray is performed. This will provide anatomical information and could help determine if the GERD is being caused by a hiatal hernia, for example.

Another common exam is an endoscopy, this is when the doctor views the inside of the esophagus and stomach with a camera attached to a small tube. The tube is inserted into the throat and down the esophagus to search for any abnormal/inflamed tissue and/or problems with the sphincter. If problem areas are identified, this procedure allows for an opportunity to take a biopsy (extraction of a small portion of tissue) to test for disease.

Based on the results from these exams the provider can make a more accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment option.


A brief overview of what an endoscopy procedure looks like: