Acid Reflux Overview

How Acid Reflux Is Diagnosed

Acid reflux is initially diagnosed by a doctor through an evaluation of the patient's symptoms. Acid reflux patients usually report a history of heartburn, sometimes presenting as mild or moderate chest pain. Some will regurgitate food or develop wheezing, coughing, and a hoarse voice. Chronic reflux can lead to inflammation of the esophagus as a result of gastric acid damaging its sensitive tissues. This can cause painful or difficult swallowing.

When the patient's history suggests acid reflux, the doctor may order an endoscopy, one of the most important components of how acid reflux is diagnosed. This allows doctors to view images of the inside of the esophagus, the esophageal sphincter, and the stomach to identify problems. Barium swallow studies and twenty-four-hour pH testing may be useful in some patients. Not all patients diagnosed with acid reflux by their doctor will require further testing, but it can be a valuable way to screen for complications linked to acid reflux.

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Treating Acid Reflux

Medications such as antacids may help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Other medications that treat acid reflux include foaming agents, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, and H2 blockers. If these treatment options do not help patients, the doctor may run one or more of the following tests: esophagram, esophageal manometry, pH monitoring, biopsy, or an endoscopy.

If symptoms persist without responding to treatment, surgery may be necessary. There are two types of surgery associated with treating acid reflux. The first involves a LINX device, which is placed at the lower end of the esophagus and connects the mouth to the stomach. This device works by preventing stomach juices from backing up into the esophagus. The second form of surgery is called fundoplication, which includes the creation of an artificial valve being placed at the top of the stomach to prevent acid reflux.

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