Tests
are not usually necessary if you have typical symptoms acid
reflux. Many people are
diagnosed with 'presumed acid reflux' when they have typical
symptoms,
and the symptoms are eased by treatment. Tests may be advised if
symptoms: are severe, or do not improve with
acid reflux treatment.
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Endoscopy is the
common test. This is where a thin, flexible telescope is passed down
the oesophagus into the stomach. This allows a doctor or nurse to
look inside. With oesophagitis, the lower part of the oesophagus
looks red and inflamed. However, if it looks normal it does not rule
out
acid reflux. Some people are very sensitive to small amounts of
acid, and can have symptoms with little or no inflammation to see.
Two terms that are often used after an endoscopy are:
Oesophagitis.
This term is used when the oesophagus can be seen to be
inflamed.
Endoscopy-negative
reflux disease. This term is used when someone has typical
symptoms of reflux but endoscopy is normal.
A test to check
the acidity inside the oesophagus may be done if the diagnosis is
not clear.
Other tests such
as heart tracings, chest X-ray, etc, may be done to rule out other
conditions if the symptoms are not typical.