Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder.
Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus (food pipe). Reflux means to flow back or return. Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which the contents of the stomach (in liquid form) backs up or refluxes into the esophagus.
How is GERD diagnosed?
Medical History
Your doctor will begin assessing you for GERD by reviewing your symptoms. If you are frequently experiencing classic GERD symptoms, your doctor can diagnose you on that basis.
The two most common symptoms are:
- Heartburn.
- Regurgitation
Lab tests
People with severe symptoms may need to undergo tests that can both verify GERD and help doctors assess the scope of the problem. These tests include:
Barium X-rays: The patient is asked to drink barium liquid before being X-rayed, which offers greater clarity than a standard X-ray. This imaging test can detect abnormalities or erosion in the esophagus due to acid reflux.
Endoscopy: A tube with a tiny camera is inserted through the mouth and down the throat. Doctors can use the camera to look inside the esophagus and see any damage or problems caused by reflux.
pH monitoring: A device is placed inside the esophagus to measure how often and to what extent reflux occurs. In the past, the device was placed into the esophagus through the nose by means of a catheter, which the patient had to wear for 24 hours or more. New techniques have created a "capsule" that is attached to the esophagus wall and sends readings to a monitoring unit the patient carries around. The capsule falls off within a couple of days and passes through the patient's system normally.
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