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Acid Reflux Tests for Children

Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux, is a condition caused by the incomplete closing of the lower esophageal sphincter, a group of muscles that separates the stomach from the esophagus. This incomplete closing allows acid and food to travel back up the esophagus from the stomach. Kids who suffer from acid reflux may complain of symptoms such as recurrent vomiting, sore throat, heartburn and abdominal pain. Doctors can perform several tests to determine if a kid has acid reflux.

  1. Barium Swallow and Upper GI Series

    • For a barium swallow, a kid will swallow barium sulfate and then a technician will take X-rays of the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine. These X-rays allow doctors to see the upper gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and rule out any anatomic obstructions.

    Esophageal pH Monitoring

    • For this test, a doctor inserts a probe through the nose and down to the lower esophageal sphincter. The probe is then connected to a pH monitoring device which measures the reflux that is coming back from the stomach to the esophagus. This test is usually done over a period of 24 hours.

    Endoscopy

    • During an endoscopy, a doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube that contains a camera-called an endoscope-down a kid's throat. The doctor will be able to see the lining of the esophagus and stomach and can determine if there is any inflammation or ulceration of the lining.

    Mucosal Biopsies

    • A doctor often takes mucosal biopsies during an endoscopy. These samples of the lining of the esophagus can help the doctor determine if there are any microscopic changes that are consistent with acid reflux and the severity of the acid reflux.

    Gastric Emptying Study

    • During a gastric emptying study, a kid eats food and drinks a liquid that contains a safe radioactive chemical called a radionuclide. A doctor then places a gamma counter over the stomach to detect radioactivity over several hours. This test is done to determine the speed of the food emptying the stomach and traveling to the small intestine.

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