Heartburn
Diagnosis

Talking with your doctor about your symptoms may be enough for him or her to make a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). However, additional tests may be recommended to determine its severity, including:

• Upper GI Endoscopy: An endoscope is a device consisting of a flexible tube and a mini camera. In endoscopy, this device is introduced through the mouth to view the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestines.
• Upper GI Series: These are a series of X-rays that examine the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. The X-rays are taken after you have swallowed a barium suspension, which coats the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract. A radiologist then looks for irregularities in the linings, which can help diagnose a variety of digestive problems.
• Esophageal Manometry: This test measures the motor action of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophageal body. A catheter measures esophageal pressure and records the duration and sequence of contractions.
• Esophageal pH Monitoring: This is a test to measure the frequency and duration of stomach acid that enters the esophagus.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 2, 2012