Without treatment, GERD can cause long-term damage to the esophagus and result in Barrett’s esophagus, a condition where different tissue similar to that which lines the intestine replaces the usual lining of the esophagus. They will also reveal whether GERD is the result of a structural problem in the esophagus or stomach, a hiatal hernia, problems with digestive tract motion, overproduction of acid, or other factors. These tests will measure the presence of GERD, its severity, and how much damage exists in the esophagus. This test can reveal the presence of a hiatal hernia, ulcers in the esophagus, or stricture (narrowing) of the esophagus.ĭoctors often use barium swallow tests in conjunction with other tests to diagnose and measure the severity of GERD. The barium coating the esophagus, stomach, and intestines will show up on an X-ray. Barium is a thick, chalky liquid that may have an artificial flavor in order to make it easier to swallow. For this test, a person will drink barium, which will coat the digestive tract. Barium swallow testīarium is a special liquid dye that shows up on an X-ray. Over the course of 10–15 minutes, the doctor will view the readings from the catheter on a computer and determine a course of treatment. The catheter contains sensors that measure pressure and movement. It measures pressure in the esophagus and can indicate if there is a structural problem that is causing reflux.įor this test, a doctor will place a catheter through the nose and into the esophagus. This test measures the motion of the muscles that control the digestive system and how well food passes through it. The capsule will naturally detach and pass through the digestive system to exit the body.īy comparing the written record of symptoms to the readings from the capsule, the doctor can measure how much acid is refluxing into the esophagus. The capsule is generally not uncomfortable and the person is able to proceed with normal activity.Īfter 48–96 hours, the doctor will collect the reader device and the written record. The person will keep a written record of symptoms during the test. The capsule is able to read pH levels in the esophagus, measuring the presence of acid. The capsule wirelessly transmits readings to a device worn on the waist. They then place a small capsule into the throat and attach it to the esophagus. The doctor will spray numbing anesthetic into the back of the person’s throat. This monitoring system is worn for 48–96 hours and allows a doctor to view the pH levels in the esophagus. They will then examine the results to determine when episodes of reflux occurred and whether they were acidic or nonacidic. When the person returns, the doctor will remove the catheter and collect the reader and the written record. The catheter is generally not uncomfortable and does not interfere with eating or sleeping. Additionally, the person will keep a written record of symptoms during the time they wear the catheter. The reader will log measurements of acid moving from the stomach into the esophagus over the next 24 hours. The catheter affixes to the nose with tape, wraps behind an ear, and connects to a small reader that the person wears on the waist when they return home. They will then place a thin, flexible catheter through the nose and into the esophagus and stomach. This test can reveal whether GERD is acidic or nonacidic, which can determine the course of treatment.Īt their office, a doctor will spray a topical anesthetic into the throat to numb the area. ![]() It measures the levels of liquid and air that are passing through the esophagus into the stomach. This exam takes place over a 24-hour period. If damage is visible in the esophagus, the doctor may use small instruments that pass through the endoscope to take a biopsy. The tube has a light and a camera which allow the doctor to see the structure of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine and look for damage or problems. It is the most common first step in diagnosing GERD.Īfter sedating the person, the doctor will insert an endoscope - a flexible tube - down the throat through the esophagus. Others require an individual to wear sensing equipment for 24–48 hours to measure acid levels and the motion of the digestive tract.ĭoctors will perform an upper endoscopy under light anesthetic. Some doctors also choose to begin treatment immediately based on symptoms.ĭoctors will perform some tests for GERD in their office or an outpatient clinic. An upper endoscopy is often the first step. These tests allow a doctor to look at the structure of the digestive tract and the motion of food and acid. Symptoms may be enough to diagnose GERD, but in many cases, the doctor will order one or more tests to examine the esophagus. To diagnose GERD, a medical professional will take a complete medical history and ask about symptoms.
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