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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