How is acid reflux diagnosed?

The most common way that acid reflux is suspected and diagnosed is by its signature symptom- heartburn.  Many different diagnosis avenues can be taken by doctors to confirm that a patient is suffering from acid reflux. Here are a few ways:

 

·        Symptoms and response to treatment: One way that a physician will confirm his diagnosis is by providing the patient with medication that will help reduce the production of acid in the stomach. If the heartburn is pretty much extinguished after being on the medication, then the doctor will typically confirm his diagnosis as acid reflux. Although this is often an affective approach, some find that it is not necessarily reliable since there are not any diagnostic tests that have been performed.

·        Examination of the throat and larynx: Many patients find that their condition affects their throat and larynx causing coughing, sore throat, and hoarseness. By examining this part of the patient’s body, the physician can see if there is any inflammation or irritation.

·        Esophageal acid testing: This particular method is considered to be the “gold standard” for diagnosing acid reflux. For the general population, some reflux of acid is a common thing. However, patients who suffer from this condition have a larger amount of acid reflux than most people. Therefore, it is pretty easy to distinguish those who have a normal amount of reflux containing acid from those who have a lot more by the amount of time that the esophagus contains acid. A test known as the 24-hour esophageal pH test is performed. This records the amount of acid by way of a tube inserted in the nose and down into the esophagus. These amounts are recorded and then analyzed after the 24 hours has passed.

There are several other methods that are used to help diagnose the condition of acid reflux. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and the severity of the condition will help the doctor to decide what type of testing is best suited for that particular patient.