Disease (GERD)
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- What is GERD?
- Symptoms of GERD
- Causes of GERD
- Prevention of GERD
- Risk factors for GERD
- Complications of GERD
- When to see a doctor about GERD
- Diagnosis of GERD
- Conventional treatment of GERD
- Alternative/complementary treatment of GERD
- Living with GERD
- Caring for someone with GERD
Diagnosis of gastro-eosophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Initially, a doctor will perform the following tests to diagnose gastro-eosophageal reflux disease (GERD):
- Medical history - this will consist of of a series of questions about the nature, duration and intensity of the symptoms and also when the symptoms started. THe doctor will also ask if any specific activities make the symptoms worse (or reduce them)
- Physical examination - the doctor will examine the stomach area for pain or discomfort, by pressing down (gently to firmly) on various parts of the upper and lower abdomen while the patient is lying down on the examination table
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If warranted, further diagnosis can be undertaken with the following:
- Barium meal - this test is not often performed to diagnosing gastro-eosophageal reflux disease (GERD) as there are other tests which give a better diagnosis, although it used to be. The barium meal involves swallowing a barium liquid, which is then x-rayed as it goes through the eosophagus and stomach. It is used more to determine if there are any strictures present in people who have difficulty swallowing food properly
- Endoscopy (or gastroscopy) - this is a diagnostic test which is performed under light sedation by a gastroenterologist to definitely diagnose the cause of the reflux and the procedure is as follows:
- The gastroenterologist inserts a sterile, flexible tube with a camera at one end inside the mouth and through the eosophagus into the stomach
- Images are taken of the stomach lining
- A small amount of the eosophagus and stomach lining is taken to perform test to determine cause of GERD, to rule out Barrette's eosophagus and to ensure there is malignancy in the eosophagus
- The procedure is usually performed on a day patient basis with patients spending only a few hours in the surgery
- Manometry - this test is performed for people who have problems swallowing and pain on swallowing, to determine if the eosophageal nerves muscles are causing the problem. In this procedure, a thin plastic tube is placed through the nose and down the eosophagus, which is used to measure pressure of the eosophageal muscles as food goes down
- pH monitoring - this diagnostic test is only used when endoscopy and medication have been unsuccessful and prior to surgery. This test involves a thin plastic tube through the nose and down the eosophagus. At the end of the tube in the eosophagus measures the amount of acid present over 24 hours
- Video capsule endoscopy - this diagnostic test involves swallowing a small pill-sized camera that goes down the eosophagus and into the stomach in the same path that food normally would. It transmits video images which are reviewed by a gastroenterologist to determine if there is any obvious underlying disorder or if endoscopy with included biopsy is required. This test does not requite preparation or sedation and takes about one minute to complete, but as it is very expensive, it is not routinely performed
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< 7: when to see a doctor 9: conventional treatment > Last reviewed: 10 November 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
