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DIAGNOSING GERD REFLUX TESTING AND TREATMENT

Testing by a gastroenterologist (GI) can determine whether your symptoms are caused by GERD.

HOW IS GERD DIAGNOSED?

An initial diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be made based on the frequency and severity of symptoms, along with a patient’s response to protein pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, neither symptoms nor a patient’s response to medication are enough to confirm a GERDdiagnosis and identify an appropriate treatment. Objective testing by a gastroenterologist (GI) can determine whether your symptoms are caused by GERD.1,2

Man explains throat pain to male doctor.

ENDOSCOPY WITH BIOPSY

An endoscopy with biopsy is one of the most common tests physicians use to confirm a diagnosis of GERD. To have the procedure, you may first need a referral from your primary care physician to see a gastroenterologist.

The gastroenterologist will examine your esophagus and take a tissue sample for testing. This procedure can help identify complications that may support a diagnosis of GERD.

However, signs of GERD may not always be visible during the endoscopy. Therefore, your physician may recommend further diagnostic testing to assess your symptoms.5

ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND TOOLS

Additional diagnostic testing may be necessary to help your doctor better understand whether the root cause of your symptoms is related to motility (swallowing disorder) or reflux. Please check with your local physicians. ​

Information and resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. Always discuss diagnosis and treatment information including risks with your doctor. Keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary.

1

Richter J, Pandolfino J, Vela M, et al. Utilization of wireless pH monitoring technologies: a summary of the proceedings from the Esophageal Diagnostic working Group. Disease of the Esophagus, 2012 August 7, Page 8

2

Triadafilopoulos G, Zikos T, Regalia K, et al. Use of Esophageal pH Monitoring to Minimize Proton-Pump Inhibitor Utilization in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms. Digestive Diseases And Sciences. 2018;63(10):2673-2680. doi:10.1007/s10620-018-5183-4

3

Gawron AJ, Pandolfino JE. Ambulatory reflux monitoring in GERD: which test should be performed and should therapy be stopped? Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2013;15(4):316 Page 7

4

Sweiss R et al. Patient acceptance and clinical impact of Bravo monitoring in patients with previous failed catheter-based studies. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Mar 15;29(6):669-76. Page 673, Col 2

5

Sifrim D, Castell D, Dent J, Kahrilas PJ. Gastro-oesophageal reflux monitoring: review and consensus report on detection and definitions of acid, non-acid, and gas reflux. Gut. 2004;53(7):1024-1031. Page 1030