How Do You Diagnose Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
As you eat and drink, the muscle at the lower part of your esophagus closes, keeping liquids and food in your stomach. If the esophageal muscle doesn’t function properly the acid in your stomach can overwhelm the esophagus, creating a burning sensation, called heartburn. When this occurs more than twice a week, it is know as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Watch for signs that indicate the need for testing to check for the possibility of gastroesophageal reflux disease such as difficulty swallowing, chronic dry cough, sensation similar to choking, a burning pain in the chest and morning hoarseness. Anticipate blood testing and invasive tests performed to help your physician pinpoint your condition. This allows him to come up with your best treatment options. Expect to undergo a barium swallow test to help find abnormalities within the esophagus. This test consists of drinking a solution picked up by x-ray to uncover any strictures or narrowing of the esophagus. These may indicate gast
