Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease Diagnosis

Premise

In medicine, "gastroesophageal reflux" is the term for the abnormal rise in the esophagus of the contents of the stomach.
When the phenomenon of gastroesophageal reflux is chronic, it means that a condition known to most as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is in progress.

The contents of the stomach have a typical acidic nature, which has irritating and damaging effects on the internal surface of the esophagus and the upper structures (eg: larynx, pharynx, vocal cords, etc.). This explains why, on the occasion of repeated gastroesophageal reflux phenomena, symptoms appear such as: heartburn with retrosternal site, repeated acid regurgitation (especially after meals), sore throat, hoarseness, dysphagia, chest pain, pain when swallowing, hiccups, persistent cough, breathing wheezing, halitosis and laryngospasm.

Complications of GERD:

• Esophageal ulcers
• Esophageal stricture
• Barrett's esophagus

Gastroesophageal Reflux Diagnosis

Typically, doctors make the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease based on a simple physical examination and medical history.
The use of more specific examinations occurs only in certain circumstances, which are:

• When the typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are persistent, severe and unusual;
• When prescribed drugs, after a positive physical examination and "medical history," do not control symptoms;
• When the doctor who is making the diagnosis believes that surgery is beneficial;
• When the patient complains of symptoms that could also lead to potentially more serious conditions than gastroesophageal reflux disease, such as unexplained weight loss and difficulty swallowing;
• When the doctor who is making the diagnosis has doubts and wants to clarify them.