Acid Reflux Disease Diagnosis

Acid reflux disease is also known as GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease. This is an illness in which the liquefied contents of the stomach back up into a person esophagus.

The regurgitated stomach contents contain acids and pepsin which can cause a very severe damage to the esophagus, although severe damage only happens in a small amount of cases.

You will likely have it for a long time once you get acid reflux disease because it is a chronic condition. Once the esophagus becomes damaged it is also a chronic condition.

Acid reflux treatments can be performed to enhance the state of the esophagus however once acid reflux treatment is stopped the symptoms and problems can return within a matter of weeks. When diagnosing acid reflux disease there are five specific ways your doctor will help determine if you have GERD.

Acid Reflux Disease Diagnosis - Heartburn

Heart burn is the common symptom of Acid reflux disease. If a doctor believes your heartburn is being caused by acid reflux disease then they will often prescribe a medicine for you that will help stop the production of acid in your stomach. If your condition stops then it is assumed you were suffering from acid reflux disease. However, this first form of diagnoses can sometimes be unreliable.

Endoscopy

The second way of diagnosing acid reflux disease is through an endoscopy. During this process a tube is swallowed which allows your doctor to see accurately what is happening inside the esophagus. However, those with acid reflux disease will often have a normal looking esophagus.

Therefore, this technique of diagnosis for acid reflux typically only works in those people who have had acid reflux for so long that the esophagus has become damaged. Although if an ulcer or other ailment is causing the problem then this diagnosis may work.

Biopsies

Biopsies are another option for the diagnosis of Acid reflux disease. These are typically used to search for cancer in the esophagus. It is used to diagnosis acid reflux disease but it can also determine alternate causes of the symptoms.

Examination Of Throat And Larynx

Another option for diagnosis of acid reflux disease is an examination of the throat and larynx to help diagnosis acid reflux disease. If either the throat or the larynx is inflamed then this can indicate if the patient has acid reflux disease but inflammation can be caused by a number of other symptoms.

Acid Reflux Disease Diagnosis – Esophageal Acid Testing

The final option is esophageal acid testing which is probably the best and most accurate way to determine if a person is suffering from acid reflux disease. It is also a less obtrusive method as well.

In this process a tube is placed through the nose and into the esophagus where it stays for twenty-four hours. There is a sensor at the end of the tube that measures the amount of acid reflux a person suffers from in a twenty-four hour period.

Depending on the seriousness or your situation or how long you have experience acid reflux disease symptoms a doctor may decide to do several of the above tests. The test may also be conducted in various orders to help rule out several reasons for you acid reflux disease.