What Tests Are Used to Diagnose GERD?
Acid reflux is a condition in which you experience frequent bouts. The The stomach. fluids go into your The stomach.. If you have this condition, your doctor can use a test to determine if you have it.
There are various tests used to diagnose gdr. The best option depends on your symptoms.
Read on to learn when each test is used.
The most common GERD symptom is heartburn. It involves a burning feeling in the chest, which is due to acid reflux into the The The stomach.. This burning sensation might also spread toward your throat.
GERD also commonly causes regurgitation or the backup of The stomach. contents into your throat or mouth. This can cause an unpleasant sour or bitter taste.
Other possible symptoms include:
- There is chest pain.
- nausea
- Difficult swallowing
- swallowing is painful
- mouth, throat, or lung problems, like chronic coughing or asthma
It is important to note that symptoms can change from person to person. Some people may not experience the most common symptoms, even though they are the most common.
There are different types of tests used to diagnose GERD. The best option depends on your symptoms and how severe your symptoms are.
Your doctor can tell you which test is right for you. The main diagnostic tests for germ are:
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
The upper The stomach. can be damaged by gds. This includes you.
- The The stomach.
- The stomach.
- The first part of your small body.
Because of this, your doctor may want to check the lining of these areas using an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). This is the most common GERD test. It’s also known as an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy.
The test uses a camera attached to a tube and light. The tube is inserted into your body.
This allows your doctor to examine the lining of your The The stomach. and look for signs of GERD.
Ambulatory pH monitoring
If you have GERD symptoms but have a normal endoscopy, your doctor might recommend ambulatory pH monitoring. This is the
It involves a pH-measuring device, like a catheter or wireless capsule. The device is placed in your The The stomach. for 24 to 48 hours.
During this time, the device measures the pH of your The The stomach.. pH measures how acidic or alkaline (basic) something is. It also measures the frequency, severity, and duration of acid reflux.
If your The The stomach. is frequently acidic during the 24 to 48 hours, you’ll be diagnosed with GERD.
Esophageal impedance pH study
A impedance esophageal pH study is similar to ambulatory pH monitoring.
In this test, a flexible tube is inserted into your The The stomach. through your nose for 24 hours. It measures the movement of liquid from your The stomach. and into the The The stomach..
If your ambulatory pH monitoring is normal, your doctor might recommend this test. The ambulatory and the esophageal impedance pH study can be done at the same time.
Esophageal manometry
An esophageal manometry checks the strength of your esophageal muscles.
This is important because the bottom of the The The stomach., called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), connects to the The stomach.. If your LES is weak, your The stomach. contents can move back up into your The The stomach. and cause acid reflux.
During an esophageal manometry, you sip and swallow water. At the same time, a flexible tube is placed through your nose and into your The stomach..
The tube is connected to a computer. When the tube is slowly removed out of your The The stomach., the computer measures its muscular contractions.
If the contractions are not normal, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Esophogram
An esophaogram uses X-ray to look at your upper GI tract.
You have to swallow a barium solution. This will help the upper stomach show up on the X-ray.
The test can help your doctor determine if you have.
- severe esophagitis
- a hiatal hernia
- stricture (narrowing) in the The The stomach.
When diagnosing GERD, this test
It is not a primary test. If you also have swallowing problems, your doctor may use it to monitor your symptoms.
The most common treatments for segulling are:
- Dietary changes. Eating a balanced diet may reduce GERD symptoms. Limiting alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and carbonated beverages may also help.
- Weight loss. Excess belly fat can increase your risk of GERD.
- Raise your head. Raising your head during sleep may help ease acid reflux. You can do this using a foam wedge or extra pillows.
- Quitting smoking. If you smoke cigarettes, quitting can help reduce GERD symptoms.
- Medications. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications like antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs are also available as prescriptions.
- Surgery. If home remedies and medication fail to help, your doctor may recommend surgery, like fundoplication.
If you experience acid reflux frequently, your doctor may recommend a test. This may include an upper GI endoscopy, ambulatory pH monitoring, an esophogram, or an esploy.
The most appropriate test depends on your symptoms. Discuss the best type of gds test with your doctor.