What tests might be done?
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Tests are not usually necessary if you have typical symptoms. Many people are diagnosed with 'presumed acid reflux' when they have typical symptoms, and the symptoms are eased by treatment. Tests may be advised if symptoms: are severe, or do not improve with treatment, or are not typical of GORD.
- Endoscopy is the common test. This is where a thin, flexible telescope is passed down the oesophagus into the stomach. This allows a doctor or nurse to look inside. With oesophagitis, the lower part of the oesophagus looks red and inflamed. However, if it looks normal it does not rule out acid reflux. Some people are very sensitive to small amounts of acid, and can have symptoms with little or no inflammation to see.
- A test to check the acidity inside the oesophagus may be done if the diagnosis is not clear.
- Other tests such as heart tracings, chest x-ray, etc, may be done to rule out other conditions if the symptoms are not typical.
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