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Diagnosis of GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disease that is caused by a backflow of bile into the esophagus. GERD can often be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications, but it is important to diagnose GERD before it causes more severe problems, such as esophageal ulcers.

  1. Upper GI Series

    • An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series is a type of radiograph that is used to look at the stomach, esophagus and duodenum. During the procedure, you are asked to swallow a radioactive substance containing barium, which helps your doctor to evaluate the GI tract, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Endoscopy

    • During an endoscopy, doctors put a tube with a light and camera down your throat to look at your GI tract via images on a monitor. This procedure is used to determine whether you have GERD or another esophagus problem, such as Barrett's esophagus, ulcers or esophagitis.

    Biopsy

    • A biopsy may be used to show whether a patient has GERD, an infection, esophageal cancer or Barrett's esophagus, according to an article by gastroenterologist Jay W. Marks on MedicineNet. During the procedure, doctors take a tissue sample from your esophagus, which is then sent to a laboratory to be examined.

    Esophageal pH Tests

    • During an esophageal pH test, a doctor inserts a catheter, which is attached to a computerized device around your waist, through your nose into the esophagus. The monitoring device measures the amount of stomach acid that moves back into the esophagus.

    Esophageal Motility Tests

    • During an esophageal motility test, a catheter and monitoring device are used to measure the amount of pressure that is generated by your esophagus. This test is often used to examine why treatments for GERD are ineffective, according to Dr. Marks on MedicineNet.

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