Tests
A number of different tests may be performed to assess people
with GORD, to look for other common causes of the same symptoms and
make a definite diagnosis.
Upper GI endoscopy
The first test is usually an upper GI endoscopy (often referred
to as an OGD). This is a common procedure involving the insertion
of a thin tube with a camera on the end through the mouth into the
oesophagus, stomach and first bit of the small bowel called the
duodenum. This test is important to look for signs of GORD as well
as to look for other problems such as a stricture or oesophageal
cancer. It is a routine procedure, but as with any test there
are benefits and risks, even though the risks are very low. More
information on this procedure, its benefits and risks are available
here.
pH and manometry
As GORD is very common and often well controlled, not many
patients with GORD need these tests. They can be useful if there is
uncertainty about the cause of symptoms or to help determine if
someone may benefit from surgery. They involve passing a fine tube
through the nose into the oesophagus, then doing a series of
swallowing tests to measure how the oesophagus works (the manometry
part of the test). A tube is then left in place for 24 hours and
you go home with this before having it removed the following day
(pH testing). During this period, you can record symptoms that you
experience which can then be looked at together with the
measurements from the tube. Together, these tests are very
useful in assessing GORD.
Contrast swallow
This test may also be called a barium swallow and is often
combined with a meal test to examine the stomach as well as the
oesophagus. Like pH and manometry, this test is not often required
for mild and well controlled GORD. However, for some patients it
provides useful information to assess GORD and to look for other
conditions if there is uncertainty about the cause of symptoms. It
involves drinking some fluid (called barium) and having x-ray
pictures taken of the fluid going down the oesophagus into the
stomach. It gives useful information about how the oesophagus is
working, can assess for reflux, and look for other problems like
ulcers or cancer.
